Stamford Bridge is set for a pivotal Premier League showdown this evening as Chelsea welcome high-flying Aston Villa to West London. The festive fixture, kicking off at 5.30pm UK time, carries significant weight for both sides' ambitions in the title race.
Title Race Implications at Stamford Bridge
Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea positioned themselves as contenders after a creditable draw with Arsenal a month ago. However, their form has stuttered since, with just one victory in their last four outings. They begin the day a substantial 10 points behind the league leaders, making a victory here imperative to revive their challenge.
They face a formidable opponent in Aston Villa, who arrive in scintillating form. Unai Emery's side have won 16 of their last 18 matches across all competitions and sit third in the table, just three points off the summit. The Blues have received a boost with the return of Liam Delap and Estevao from injury, while star man Cole Palmer is reportedly fit enough to complete the full 90 minutes.
Confirmed Starting Lineups and Team News
Enzo Maresca has made two alterations to the Chelsea side that drew 2-2 with Newcastle United. Wesley Fofana and Malo Gusto drop out, with Enzo Fernandez returning to midfield and Benoit Badiashile coming into the defence.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has also opted for two changes. Donyell Malen and Emi Buendia are promoted to the starting eleven, replacing Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana, who both start on the bench.
Chelsea Starting XI
Chelsea: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Garnacho, Pedro.
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Gusto, Acheampong, Tosin, Fofana, Santos, Estevao, Gittens, Delap.
Aston Villa Starting XI
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Buendia, Rogers, Malen.
Substitutes: Bizot, Digne, Garcia, Bogarde, Hemmings, Onana, Sancho, Watkins, Jimoh-Aloba.
How to Watch and Match Context
The match is being broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or NOW TV.
This is the final fixture of a seven-game Premier League Saturday. The early kick-off saw Manchester City defeat Nottingham Forest 2-1, while at the time of publication, league leaders Arsenal were leading Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at half-time in one of the five 3pm games.
All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge to see if Chelsea can derail Villa's impressive run and reignite their own stuttering campaign, or if the visitors will continue their charge towards the Premier League summit.
