The Premier League Matchday 26 encounter between Aston Villa and Chelsea will be held on February 22 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Aston Villa
Unai Emery's side has been unable to secure a victory in their last five league games. However, during this stretch, they have drawn four times and suffered just one defeat, away to Wolverhampton (0-2). Notably, after this unexpected loss, Birmingham managed a surprising draw at home against Ipswich (1-1), and on Wednesday, they shared the spoils with Liverpool at Villa Park (2-2). The club is currently ninth in the standings, four points adrift of the European competition spots.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Aston Villa's last 8 Premier League games.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of the club's last 12 league encounters.
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of Birmingham's last 8 home matches in the league.
Predicted lineup for Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez – Lucas Digne, Axel Disasi, Tyrone Mings, Andres Garcia – John McGinn, Youri Tielemans – Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio – Ollie Watkins.
Defender Pau Torres is unavailable due to injury. Defender Axel Disasi will not play due to loan agreement conditions.
Chelsea
The Londoners suffered a 0-3 defeat away to Brighton in the last round. This was their first heavy defeat in the league since April last year and their second consecutive away loss in the Premier League (previously losing 1-3 to Manchester City). Between these losses, Chelsea defeated West Ham 2-1 at home. Enzo Maresca's side has dropped to sixth in the standings, yet they are just one point away from the Champions League zone.
- In their last nine Premier League matches, the club has secured only two victories (3 draws and 4 losses).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Chelsea's last 6 Premier League matches.
- The Londoners have not scored in the second half of their last five away league games.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto – Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo – Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke – Christopher Nkunku.
Due to injuries, forwards Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Marc Guiu, midfielders Omari Kellyman and Romeo Lavia, as well as defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, are unavailable. Forward Mykhailo Mudryk is still serving a suspension due to a failed doping test.
Referee
Michael Oliver (England)
Matches – 19 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 92;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 5%.
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
Both teams are far from their optimal form, struggling to secure victories and consistently dropping valuable points, which has impacted their league positions. Birmingham nearly defeated Liverpool in their last league match, and such games boost players' confidence. Therefore, Unai Emery's side is likely to finally end their winless streak in the Premier League.
Aston Villa remains unbeaten at home in the Premier League for 13 matches (6 wins and 7 draws). Meanwhile, Chelsea has failed to win in their last five away league matches (2 draws and 3 losses). Additionally, it's worth noting that the Londoners are missing several attacking players due to various reasons, which will affect this matchup. Birmingham ranks fourth in home performances this season, having only lost to Arsenal at Villa Park in the first round.
My prediction – Aston Villa Victory
Bournemouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Arsenal
West Ham United
Fulham
Crystal Palace
Ipswich
Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton
Brighton and Hove Albion
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Manchester City
Liverpool
