(Action Images via Reuters)
Chelsea host Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick off with Graham Potter’s side in desperate need of points. The Blues come into the match sitting 10th in the table but can move closer towards the Champions League places with a victory this evening.
They are unbeaten in three league games with wins against Leeds and Leicester bringing a feeling of improvement to Stamford Bridge before a late goal saw them settle for point in a 2-2 draw with Everton just before the international break.
Aston Villa meanwhile will know that a victory would propel them above Chelsea in the table and take them past 40 points – the historic target to ensure relegation is avoided.
Unai Emery has rejuvenated the midlands side who now look a dangerous and difficult side to beat. Last time out Villa despatched Bournemouth 3-0 and they’ll be looking to impress against their rivals in the table.
Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Aston Villa in the Premier League today:
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa are the first team to score twice from outside the box against Chelsea in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge since West Brom in January 2016, and just the fourth side ever to do so (also Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon).
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
WIDE!!! Havertz and Madueke link up on the right and the latter squares for Kante in the box. He’s got time to pick his spot, but goes early and drags a low effort just wide of Martinez’s right-hand upright!
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Yellow Card Enzo Jeremías Fernández
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
WIDE!!! Fernandez keeps the ball in play on the left and finds Felix central. He switches play to Madueke on the right, who cuts inside and bends a left-footed shot agonisingly wide of the far post!
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Felix claimed a penalty for handball following that shot on goal, but VAR’s checks for any contact with the hand of Konsa prove inconsequential.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
SAVED!!! Felix glides beyond McGinn before playing a one-two with Havertz, striding past Konsa before toe-poking a shot goalwards, which Martinez parries wide!
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Koulibaly rises highest at the corner, but can only glance his near-post header over the crossbar!
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
BLOCKED!! Felix latches onto Cucurella’s throughball to bypass Luiz, but Chambers tracks him all the way and blocks his eventual shot behind for a corner!
