Chelsea
3
1 Dec 24
FT
Aston Villa
0
Match Information
Location
England
Stadium
Stamford Bridge
Referee
Stuart Attwell
Match Summary
Match Preview

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Premier League Showdown at Stamford Bridge

Match Preview
Chelsea welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge in what promises to be a compelling Premier League encounter. The Blues currently sit third in the table with 22 points from 12 matches, while Villa are eighth with 19 points. Both teams are eager to secure a victory to boost their standings as the season approaches a critical phase. Chelsea have shown resilience in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in their last four league games. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, they have combined solid defence with an effective attack. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have experienced a dip in form, failing to win in their last four Premier League outings. Despite this, their ability to challenge strong teams makes them a side not to be underestimated. This match sets the stage for an intriguing battle between two clubs aiming to strengthen their positions in the league.
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea are expected to have Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto available after both recovered from injury and illness respectively. Enzo Maresca had the luxury of rotating his squad during the midweek Conference League win against Heidenheim, resting several key players. However, the Blues will be without Reece James, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until early January. Armando Broja remains doubtful due to an Achilles tendon issue.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa may see the return of midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been doubtful with a foot problem. Jacob Ramsey remains unavailable until mid-December due to a hamstring injury. Boubacar Kamara made a return in the midweek match against Juventus, providing a boost to Villa's midfield options. Ezri Konsa was an unused substitute in the same match after recovering from a hip issue and could be in contention to start.
Match Analysis
Chelsea enter this fixture in strong form, positioned third in the Premier League with 22 points. They have secured six wins, four draws, and suffered only two defeats. The Blues have been effective offensively, scoring 23 goals, which averages to 1.92 goals per game. This offensive strength is exemplified by Cole Palmer, who has netted seven goals in 12 appearances. His ability to both create and finish chances makes him a significant threat. Nicolas Jackson is another key forward, also with seven goals, providing Chelsea with multiple attacking options. In midfield, Moises Caicedo has been instrumental in controlling play, contributing to Chelsea's average possession of over 56%. His work rate and ability to disrupt opposition attacks have been valuable assets. The team's passing accuracy, averaging 436 accurate passes per game, reflects their emphasis on maintaining control of the ball and dictating the tempo of matches. Defensively, Chelsea have conceded an average of 1.17 goals per game. With Reece James sidelined, the responsibility falls on players like Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana to maintain defensive solidity. The team averages 16.25 tackles and 8.58 interceptions per game, indicating a proactive approach to regaining possession. Aston Villa come into the match occupying the eighth spot with 19 points. Their season has seen a balance between attack and defence, scoring 19 goals and conceding the same number. Ollie Watkins stands out as their main attacking threat, having scored six goals in 12 appearances. His movement and finishing ability could pose challenges for the Chelsea backline. Midfielder Youri Tielemans has been influential in linking play and maintaining Villa's average of 448 passes per game. Villa's defence has shown some vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 1.58 goals per game. The potential absence of Amadou Onana could impact their midfield stability, putting additional pressure on the defence. Their average of 15.92 tackles per game suggests a willingness to engage in duels, but they will need to be organized to handle Chelsea's attacking players. Historically, matches between Chelsea and Aston Villa have been closely contested. In their last ten meetings, both teams have secured victories, with several draws highlighting the competitive nature of the fixture. Notably, Villa have won on their last two Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, which could provide them with confidence. The referee for this match is Stuart Attwell, who tends to oversee games with fewer fouls than the league average. His officiating style may allow for a more fluid game, potentially benefiting the team that can capitalize on open play situations. Chelsea will aim to assert their home advantage and continue their unbeaten run. Key players like Palmer and Jackson will be central to their attacking strategy. The team's ability to control possession and create chances could prove decisive. Aston Villa will look to exploit any defensive lapses, relying on Watkins' sharpness in front of goal. The creativity of Tielemans in midfield can help unlock opportunities. However, they will need to be cautious defensively and mitigate the impact of any missing players. Both teams have players who can influence the outcome. For Chelsea, the form of their attackers and the stability of their midfield are strengths. For Villa, the effectiveness of their forward line and the potential return of key midfielders could be crucial. In conclusion, this match promises to be a competitive encounter. Chelsea's recent form and offensive capabilities may give them the edge, but Aston Villa's resilience and past successes at Stamford Bridge mean they cannot be underestimated. The outcome could hinge on key battles in midfield and the ability of each team to capitalize on their chances.

Player Match Statistics




Player
Position
Goal
Assist
Mins
Cards
Shot
SOT
Blk
WW
Interc
Tackl
Pass
Pass
Acc
Drib
Drib
Succ
Key
Pass
Crs
Crs
Acc
Lng
Ball
Lng
Ball
Acc
Duel
Duel
Won
Lost
Foul
Fouled
Offs
Saves
Punches
Run out
Run out
Succ
High
Claim
Rating
Free
kick
Free
kick
goal
Fast
brk
Fast
brk
goal
Poss
lost
Long
Ball
Long Ball
Acc
C PalmerM1186-5310013090%021100%4100%2100%0010000009001034100%
M CucurellaD0090-00000410996%0010%650%862%110000000700007650%
E J FernándezM1090-1100035883%2100%220%30%1346%141000000700001630%
R SanchezG0090-0000002763%0001619%000003011170000101619%
M CaicedoM0090-0000126387%1100%20617%667%0200000007000011617%
N JacksonF1071-3200011776%20%101100%714%31020000070000101100%
P NetoF0090-1000002483%475%0714%450%560%0000000006001012450%
J SanchoF0071-20100031100%20%000617%2111000006000040
C NkunkuF0019-000000888%0100250%0100000006000010
N MaduekeF0119Y1100005100%0110%010%1100000006000030
M GustoD004-00000013100%000000000000006000000
R LaviaM0086-1010115088%20%0020%812%03000000060000920%
J FélixF004Y2100004100%000020%0100000006000000
W FofanaD0060-0000025296%0000560%0110000006000020
B BadiashileD0030-00000116100%0001100%450%0200000006000001100%
L ColwillD0090-00000210893%000633%743%030000000600008633%





Player
Position
Goal
Assist
Mins
Cards
Shot
SOT
Blk
WW
Interc
Tackl
Pass
Pass
Acc
Drib
Drib
Succ
Key
Pass
Crs
Crs
Acc
Lng
Ball
Lng
Ball
Acc
Duel
Duel
Won
Lost
Foul
Fouled
Offs
Saves
Punches
Run out
Run out
Succ
High
Claim
Rating
Free
kick
Free
kick
goal
Fast
brk
Fast
brk
goal
Poss
lost
Long
Ball
Long Ball
Acc
Y TielemansM0090-0000014685%04367%633%475%1020000006000011633%
P TorresD0090-1100116991%000520%1100%000000000600006520%
R BarkleyM0028-1010001267%1100%000540%1110000006000050
E BuendíaM006-0000013100%00002100%0010000006000000
L DigneD0090-0000012882%10%1333%333%650%000000000600009333%
O WatkinsF0084-220000989%250%100540%1110000006000050
E MartínezG0046-0000012785%0001060%2100%0110300016000041060%
E K D0090-0000313795%000333%667%103000000600004333%
B KamaraM0062-0000011989%333%002100%850%1010000006000052100%
J McGinnM0090-3010001883%0110%3100%978%2051000006000093100%
M CashD0090Y0000222378%000450%450%010000000600006450%
L BaileyM0024-000000450%10%0010%20%00000000060000310%
R OlsenG0044-0000012181%000825%1100%000020000600004825%
J DuránF0024-211000771%0000450%0020000006000030
J Philogene-BidaceF0066Y100034862%333%1001164%1220000005000090
M RogersF0066-0000011471%10%000633%1010000005000080

Statistics
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Match History
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Recommended Bets

Bet 1: Both Teams to Score – No (Odds 2.4)
Chelsea's defensive solidity at Stamford Bridge has been a cornerstone of their success this season. Conceding an average of just 1.17 goals per game, they have managed to keep opponents at bay effectively. In their home fixtures, they have allowed only eight goals in six matches. This defensive strength suggests that Aston Villa might struggle to find the net. Aston Villa's attacking output on the road has been modest. With an average of 1.67 goals scored per away game, they face a challenge against a well-organised Chelsea backline. Furthermore, Villa have failed to score in two of their last five away matches, highlighting inconsistencies in their attacking performances when travelling. Historically, clashes between these two sides at Stamford Bridge have been low-scoring affairs. In the last six meetings at this venue, both teams have scored in only two matches. This trend indicates a propensity for at least one side to keep a clean sheet. Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez, has been in commendable form. With an average of 90% pass accuracy and solid shot-stopping abilities, he provides a reliable last line of defence. The coordination between Sánchez and defenders like Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana has been instrumental in limiting opposition chances. Aston Villa may also be hindered by the potential absence of key midfielders. Amadou Onana is doubtful due to fitness concerns, and Jacob Ramsey is sidelined with injury. This could disrupt Villa's ability to create scoring opportunities, reducing their threat in the final third. Considering Chelsea's defensive record, Aston Villa's away scoring struggles, and historical head-to-head data, it's plausible to anticipate that both teams will not score in this match. The statistics support the likelihood of Chelsea maintaining a clean sheet against their visitors.
Bet 2: Under 2.5 Goals (Odds 2.5)
The prospect of a low-scoring encounter is reinforced by historical data and current form. In the last six meetings between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, only one match has featured over 2.5 goals. The average goals per game in these fixtures stand at 1.6, indicating tight contests with limited scoring. Chelsea's home games this season have generally been low-scoring. They have scored nine goals in six home matches, averaging 1.5 goals per game. Their defence, as previously noted, is robust, conceding just eight goals at home. This balance suggests that while they are capable of scoring, they often engage in matches with fewer total goals. Aston Villa's away matches align with this pattern. They have conceded 11 goals in six away fixtures but have also had matches where defences dominated. With potential absences in their midfield, their ability to contribute to a high-scoring game may be diminished. Both teams have key players who influence the pace and tempo of the game. Midfielders like Moisés Caicedo for Chelsea and Youri Tielemans for Aston Villa are adept at controlling possession. With Chelsea averaging 56.08% possession and Villa at 52.42%, the midfield battle may lead to a more cautious approach, limiting goal-scoring opportunities. The importance of this match for league standings might also encourage a more defensive strategy from both sides. Neither team will want to concede early, potentially leading to a cautious first half and fewer goals overall. Considering these factors, the match is likely to produce under 2.5 goals. The combination of strong defensive records, historical trends, and strategic considerations points towards a tight game with limited scoring opportunities.
Bet 3: Nicolas Jackson to Score Anytime (Odds 2.55)
Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a prominent figure in Chelsea's attack this season. Scoring seven goals in twelve appearances, he is the joint top scorer for the team. His contribution is significant, with an average of 2.64 shots per game and 1.67 shots on target. This showcases his ability to consistently threaten the opposition's goal. Jackson's movement in the final third and clinical finishing make him a key asset. His chemistry with creative midfielders like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández enhances his goal-scoring potential. Palmer, with an average of 2.77 key passes per game, often provides the opportunities that Jackson capitalises on. Against Aston Villa, Jackson's prowess could be crucial. Villa have conceded an average of 1.58 goals per game this season. Their defensive vulnerabilities, especially in away games where they've let in 11 goals, present an opportunity for Jackson to find the net. Villa's defence may be stretched due to the attacking threats posed by Chelsea's front line. If Aston Villa focus on containing players like Palmer and Pedro Neto, space could open up for Jackson. His instinctive positioning and ability to exploit defensive lapses increase the likelihood of him scoring. Moreover, Jackson has a track record of performing in important matches. His goals have often come at critical moments, underscoring his reliability. Given the significance of this fixture for Chelsea’s league ambitions, Jackson will be motivated to make an impact. Taking into account his form, statistics, and the defensive record of Aston Villa, backing Nicolas Jackson to score anytime offers value. His scoring record suggests he is well-placed to contribute to the scoreboard during this match.
Bet Builder Bet
Combining the above selections into a Bet Builder offers substantial odds. The bets are: 1. Both Teams to Score – No (Odds 2.4) 2. Under 2.5 Goals (Odds 2.5) 3. Nicolas Jackson to Score Anytime (Odds 2.55) With combined odds of 21.42, a £10 bet could return £214.20. This Bet Builder encapsulates the anticipated defensive strength of Chelsea, a low-scoring match, and Nicolas Jackson's goal-scoring ability.

Who Will Win?
Home Win Draw Away Win
10BET 1.72 4.2 4.6 Bet
William Hill 1.0 126.0 126.0 Bet
Pinnacle 0.55 1.54 Bet
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