Aston Villa v Chelsea @ Villa Park
Saturday, February 7 @ 3pm
Chelsea will be looking to end Jose Mourinho’s poor form away to Aston Villa when they travel there in the Premier League tomorrow.
Mourinho has never won at Villa Park with Chelsea in the Premier League in five attempts, however Villa’s poor run of form suggests that may change.
While Chelsea are five points clear at the top of the table, Villa sit at 16th and are without a win in eight league games, scoring only once in that time.
Their total of 11 goals in 23 league games is also the worst in the competition.
Chelsea were unable to extend their five point lead in the league against Manchester City last week, drawing 1-1 after having progressed to the League Cup final with a win over Liverpool earlier in the week.
Villa on the other hand suffered an embarrassing 5-0 defeat at the hands of an Arsenal side that was without top scorer Alexis Sanchez.
Chelsea will be without their own top scorer Diego Costa tomorrow as he is still suspended while Fabregas may come back into the fold after missing the City game through injury.
Chelsea’s January signing Juan Quadrado, who joined from Fiorentina on deadline day, may make his debut in midfield.
Dutch defender Ron Vlaar is due to return from injury for Villa, having been out since New Year’s Day, but is unlikely to start.
While Costa served the first of his three-match ban during the City game Loic Remy stepped in to put Chelsea ahead before David Silva equalised and may start again tomorrow.
The Frenchman will be keen to impress during Costa’s absence while Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will also be vying for the sole spot upfront.
With 15 league games remaining in the season Chelsea will not want to drop any more points and are expected to field a strong side against the toothless Villa.
Star man: Nemanja Matic
Danger man: Carles Gil
Last meeting: Chelsea 3 – 0 Aston Villa, Stamford Bridge, Saturday September 27
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, with thanks
