Aston Villa vs Chelsea Prediction & Tips

Dean Smith 21 Feb 2025

After holding leaders Liverpool to a draw on Wednesday, Aston Villa host a struggling Chelsea side at Villa Park on Saturday, February 22nd (kick-off: 17:30).

Below is an in-depth look at how the pair are faring ahead of this clash, with both sides aiming for a vital three points as they chase a Champions League spot. Read on for our latest betting tips and predictions.

Aston Villa vs Chelsea Predictions

Full Time Result: Draw
Correct Score: 2-2
Both Teams To Score: Yes
Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
First Goalscorer: Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa vs Chelsea Betting Tips

Aston Villa Team news

Aston Villa will be without Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi for Saturday’s clash with his parent club. However, Unai Emery should be able to welcome back Ezri Konsa, who is expected to slot straight back into the side.

The Villans gained a free midweek with their strong Champions League campaign, only to have a Premier League clash with Liverpool moved into that free midweek. As Villa look to progress on three fronts, Emery is likely to make a couple of changes to freshen up the side.

However, the hosts remain without a number of first-team players, including Amadou Onana, Pau Torres and Boubacar Kamara.

Chelsea Team news

Chelsea’s poor run since December has led to a slide from second to sixth, largely due to the absence of centre-half Wesley Fofana.

Blues’ boss Enzo Maresca has made a number of changes in recent weeks to try and spark something from his side. Robert Sanchez finally paid for a litany of errors, dropping to the bench for summer signing Filip Jorgensen.

Chelsea are also without Romeo Lavia, who featured at the base of midfield in most of the strongest performances this term. The Blues issues have been heightened in recent weeks, with forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu being ruled out.

Aston Villa vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Statistics

Aston Villa preyed on Chelsea’s recent struggles, winning twice at Stamford Bridge in 2023. However, the Blues have had the edge in recent encounters, winning 3-1 at Villa Park in the FA Cup last season before drawing 2-2 in the league.

Chelsea were comfortable 3-0 winners when the pair met in December, with Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer on the scoresheet. That result came during very different circumstances for the two sides, with Villa in the midst of a poor run as the Blues pushed their way into the title race, albeit only briefly.

Maresca’s side make this trip in the middle of their own poor run, but they have claimed three wins and a draw from their last four trips to Villa.

Key Player to Watch

Ollie Watkins was reportedly unhappy sharing minutes with Jhon Duran, so Aston Villa’s decision to cash in on the Colombian appears to be paying off already. The England international has shaken off a festive slump to score in each of their last three at home.

Villa’s January moves have surrounded Watkins with creative talent. He’s set to be flanked by Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford, while Morgan Rogers and Marco Asensio compete for the number 10 role.

Watkins has five goals and four assists across his last nine games and he should trouble a weakened Chelsea defence.

Predicted Lineups

Villa are expected to make few changes from the side which drew with Liverpool, while Chelsea could shake things up following their poor form.

Expected starting XI for Aston Villa
Martinez; Garcia, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans; Malen, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins

Expected starting XI for Chelsea
Jorgensen; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Nkunku

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