If there was one respite for Chelsea fans after seeing their team succumb to yet another miserable defeat a fortnight ago, it was a sight to their next opponents in the League. Sitting in 18th place in the League at the foot of the table, Aston Villa have collected just 1 win out of 8 matches so far this Season.
Therefore, it is safe to say that if Chelsea couldn’t get the better of the current Villa side, the gates of hell will be opened for Jose Mourinho and his players.
In the whole of last Season, Chelsea lost 4 games – an “accolade” which they have collected in just 8 Premier League games this Season.
Therefore, while the Season has just started and anything could happen, Chelsea couldn’t and shouldn’t go worse than this to test the patience of their owner.
In their last 5 matches in all competitions, the blues have won 2 which might describe a situation that hasn’t gone out of hands yet. However, apart from Arsenal who bore the brunt of a stupid red card that was collected by Gabriel, the other two teams belong from Israel and 2nd division respectively.
Thus, while wins have come for Chelsea, the stature of wins has gone missing. Talking about Aston Villa and although their position in the League table should speak for the catastrophe, the club might be sent into further disarray if Tim Sherwood lose 2 more matches.
According to news, the former Tottenham manager has been given 2 matches to save his career and with 1 of them against Chelsea, it wouldn’t be unwise for Tim Sherwood to start packing his bags.
Team News
Here are team News for both sides
Chelsea
A huge boost for Jose Mourinho would be the return of Diego Costa after the striker served a 3-match suspension period. He should start up the field for the blues who are in a dire need of goals this Season.
Courtesy to an injury with Ivanovic sustained on National duty, the likes of Baba Rahman and Kurt Zouma would be fighting for a spot in the starting 11. However, talking about the Chelsea midfield, and this is where it gets interesting.
If there was one player who was regarded as a silent warrior in an otherwise ballistic campaign for Chelsea last Season, it was Nemanja Matic. Having arrived in the January of last year, the defensive midfielder was a potent threat at this stage last Season.
However, talking about what could happen in a matter of one year, and the 27-year old veteran midfielder might lose his starting spot to a 23-year old Englishman. Reuben Loftus Cheek is expected to take the reigns of Chelsea midfield on Saturday.
Aston Villa
Having lost 4 Premier League games in a row coming into this fixture, there is little positive if any for the Villains. However, one potential boost would be the return of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Adama Traore to full fitness both of whom are expected to make an appearance against the reigning Premier League Champions.
Tiago Illori would be a player to watch for as after getting hyped by Liverpool during his multi-year stay at Merseyside, now is the chance for the Portuguese to showcase his talent.
Probable lineups
Chelsea
Begovic – Azpilicueta – Terry – Cahill – Zouma – Matic – Fabregas – Hazard – Willian – Costa – Pedro
Aston Villa
Guzan – Amavi – Lescott – Richards – Hutton – Gueye – Westwood – Traore – Grealish – Gestede – Ayew
