Premier League Preview – Chelsea v Aston Villa
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Premier League Preview – Chelsea v Aston Villa
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Chelsea v Aston Villa – Premier League Preview and Betting Tips
Chelsea’s season has been punctuated by a trip to Japan for the World Club Championships. Although this competition doesn’t carry the prestige of other trophies that the Blues are competing for, at least not in Europe, their supporters will nevertheless be disappointed that they went down to Corinthians in the final. But actually in general terms, despite the lack of popularity that their interim manager Rafael Benitez can be expected to enjoy throughout his tenure. If the Spaniard were brought to Stamford Bridge for one reason, it is mooted that this was to bring the best out of Fernando Torres. With six goals in his last five games, and ‘El Nino’ looking far livelier than earlier in the season, it could be reasonably asserted that this has already been achieved.
Chelsea experienced heart-break at the Club World Cup
The Blues have also picked up some good wins recently, while rattling in the goals. The 5-1 win over Leeds in mid-week having been a goal down at half-time was pretty impressive, and there are signs that Benitez is finding the right balance between defence and attack with what is, after all, a very talented group of players. Benitez has generally resisted the temptation to play Hazard, Oscar and Mata in the same side, and this seems to be working out fairly well for Chelsea in recent fixtures. It is ironic that Benitez clearly favours having Frank Lampard as part of his midfield, and the extremely experienced England international can expect to rack up a large number of appearances between now and the end of the season, yet the manager has also confirmed that Lampard will not be offered a new contract at the end of the season. It is possible that he may even depart Stamford Bridge in January.
Chelsea bounce back to demolish Leeds
Villa meanwhile having looked a side that were destined for a fairly grim relegation battle just a few weeks ago, have shown signs of life in recent weeks. Christian Benteke has impressed greatly with his performances over the last few weeks casing many observers to reflect once again on what a strong crop of players Belgium has at its disposal at present. Villa have been transformed in their last two fixtures from a dowdy, uninspired team to one that carries a real goal threat. And away wins at Liverpool and Norwich are not to be sniffed at, particularly when the previously shot shy Villa rattled in seven goals in the process.
Chelsea may make a few changes for this game from the team that beat Leeds 5-1 on Wednesday night. Eden Hazard is expected to return to the starting line-up, with Oscar possibly the man to step down to bench-warming duty. Benitez has yet to reveal what his favoured defensive set-up is, but it seems likely that Azpilicueta will also be benched, with Ivanovic reverting to right-back. Frank Lampard is expected to start in a three man central midfield. Villa are unlikely to make many, if any, changes to the side that won so impressively by three goals to one at Anfield, but Gabriel Agbonlahor may well be recalled if fit.
Chelsea (possible 4-3-2-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Lampard; Hazard, Mata; Torres
Aston Villa (possible 4-3-2-1): Guzan; Lowton, Baker, Lichaj, Clark; Bannan, Westwood, Herd; Agbonlahor, Weimann; Benteke
Betting Prediction: Aston Villa are a much improved team lately, but Chelsea are beginning to look a slick outfit under Benitez and I expect them to see off Villa by two clear goals. I’m tipping a 3-1 win for the Blues.
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