The Birmingham side won their last game against sheffield united 5-0 while the West London side are winless in their last two games.
Aston Villa and Chelsea faced off at Stamford Bridge on 27th January in the first round of this cup tie. Douglas Luiz got a goal in the early stages of the game but the goal was quickly denied by the VAR due to Handball. The game ended in a goalless draw in London and the replay of the tie is scheduled for February 7.
Unai Emery’s side defeated Sheffield United last Saturday 5-0 and comfortably sit in 4th place in the Premier League table. Aston Villa has won this prestigious cup competition on seven occasions but the last time they won this competition was in 1957. Since then, the Birmingham side has qualified for the finals on two occasions but they couldn’t add any more trophies into their cabinet.
The West London side are on a two match losing streak as they lost to Liverpool and Wolves 4-1 and 4-2 respectively in the Premier League and are currently placed in the bottom half of the table. Mauricio Pochettino’s job is thought to be in danger and this FA Cup clash could very well prove decisive. Chelsea has won the FA Cup on eight occasions with the most recent being in 2018. Since then the London side qualified for the finals on two occasions but couldn’t leave Wembley with the trophy.
Chelsea FC Team News
Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto returned from injury and started the match against Wolves. AFCON returnee Nicolas Jackson and the former Villa U-21 player Carney Chukwuemeka also had a little cameo off the bench last Saturday.
Christopher Nkunku hasn’t started for Chelsea in back to back games since the start of the season and it remains to be seen if he’s available for their game against Unai Emery’s side. Players like Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella are ruled out of this fixture due to injury. Chelsea have no players suspended for their trip to the midlands.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa had also dealt with their share of injuries this season. Several key players like Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Nicolo Zaniolo, Tyrone Mings and Jhon Duran are set to miss their FA Cup clash against Chelsea. Unai Emery would be pleased to see Youri Tielemans get back to full fitness as he’s an integral part of their setup.
The Lions also added Morgan Rogers to their side and in case he starts, Moussa Diaby and Matty Cash might be rested for this cup clash. Aston Villa have no players suspended for their FA Cup game against Chelsea at the Villa Park in Birmingham.
Head To Head Record
Aston Villa won against a 10-man Chelsea team at Stamford Bridge when they faced off in the Premier League this season courtesy of a 73rd minute goal from Ollie Watkins. Chelsea won against Aston Villa the last time they travelled to Villa Park 2-0. Aston Villa haven’t defeated Chelsea in a cup competition in Villa Park for over two decades now.
Aston Villa Form: W-D-D-L-W
Chelsea Form: W-D-D-L-L
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Moreno; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins.
Chelsea FC (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell; Enzo, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea FC Prediction
Aston Villa 3-1 Chelsea FC
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