Published Mar 2, 5:18am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 2, 5:18am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Mar 2, 5:18am ET
A huge encounter in the race for Champions League qualification is set for Villa Park on March 4, as Aston Villa host Chelsea.
Unai Emery’s Villa suffered a second defeat in five on Friday after being beaten by West Midlands rivals Wolves at Molineux.
There will also be intense pressure on Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, as the Blues have failed to win in three, and they could kick off in Birmingham sitting as low as seventh.
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|---|---|
| Aston Villa | +181 |
| The Draw | +268 |
| Chelsea | +146 |
Unai Emery warned his players that they were in a fight for Champions League qualification a month ago, and they could come into this home clash sitting fifth in the standings.
The Villa have won just once in their last five, and they were disappointingly beaten by local rivals Wolves on Friday. Their drop off at home is a major worry, with the Villa having won just one of their last four in front of their own fans. Scoring goals was an issue at the start of the campaign, and that issue has re-emerged in recent weeks.
The Villa have scored just five in their last five, and they are averaging 8.6 shots per game in winning fixtures. Key players John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara remain out.
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Chelsea will have huge pressure on their shoulders this weekend, as Liam Rosenior’s side bid to snap a three-game winless run.
Disappointing draws against Burnley and Leeds were followed by a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday. Midweek fixtures haven’t been strong for the Blues, as they have lost eight of their last ten midweek fixtures on the road. Losing at Leeds and Fulham already this term.
Joao Pedro is the team’s most important attacking player, with the Brazilian boasting a strong record against Aston Villa after registering five goal involvements in as many appearances. Pedro Neto is unavailable after becoming the ninth Chelsea player to be sent off this season in the loss at Arsenal.
| TOTAL | Aston Villa | Chelsea | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 63 | 16 | 32 | 15 |
| Goals | 168 | 59 | 109 |
This is a crucial clash for both teams in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. Villa will be chasing a first league double over the Blues since 1989-90 after winning at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign, and they could be good value to achieve that feat against a Chelsea side that are winless on their last two trips to Villa Park.
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Aston Villa
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