Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Premier League
Sunday
24th September 2023
Stamford Bridge
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 6 of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Preview
Chelsea form analysis
The Blues began the season with a creditable 1-1 draw at home against Liverpool, with Disasi equalizing after going behind. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-3 loss away at West Ham, despite new signing Chukwuemeka scoring his first goal.
Chelsea bounced back with an impressive 3-0 home win over Luton, with Sterling netting twice to showcase his quality. But their inconsistency returned in a disappointing 0-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, lacking creativity in attack. Most recently, Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw away at Bournemouth, dropping more points despite dominating possession.
Overall, Chelsea’s form has been patchy and they are yet to hit their stride under Potter. Defensively there are still questions, conceding cheap goals at times. Going forward, Sterling has impressed but Chelsea have struggled to create consistent chances. Big summer signings are yet to fully settle. Chelsea have shown flashes of quality without sustaining it.
Aston Villa form analysis
Villa began the season with a thumping 1-5 loss away at Newcastle despite Diaby equalizing early on. They responded impressively by hammering Everton 4-0 at home, with goals from McGinn, Luiz, Bailey and new signing Durán. However, defensive issues resurfaced in a 1-3 defeat away at Burnley, twice letting a lead slip. Liverpool then dominated Villa in a 0-3 home loss, outclassed by the title challengers. Most recently though, Villa showed great character to beat Palace 3-1 at home with late goals from Durán, Luiz and Bailey.
Overall, Villa have been inconsistent with clear strengths and flaws. Going forward, Diaby and Bailey have impressed with their pace and flair. But defensively there have been real lapses, conceding soft goals. Beating Palace after going behind was an important show of resilience after heavy losses to Liverpool and Burnley. If Emery can address the defensive vulnerabilities, a top half finish is very much possible.
