This Saturday sees a heavyweight Premier League encounter as Chelsea welcome high-flying Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge in a match with significant implications for the title race and top-four battle.
Match Details and How to Watch
The fixture is scheduled for Saturday 27 December, with kick-off at 5:30pm GMT. For fans in the UK, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League channels.
Form Guide and Stakes
Aston Villa arrive in west London in scintillating form, sitting third in the table and riding a remarkable 10-match winning streak across all competitions. This run includes seven consecutive Premier League victories, a surge propelled by the sensational form of forward Morgan Rogers.
Rogers scored twice in Villa's last outing against Manchester United, continuing a prolific spell that has thrust Unai Emery's side firmly into title contention. Villa travel to the capital seven points clear of their fourth-placed hosts.
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, showed resilience in their previous match, recovering from two goals down to earn a draw at Newcastle United. They will be aiming for a victory to close the gap and solidify their own Champions League ambitions.
Team News and Possible Line-ups
Chelsea could see the return of striker Liam Delap from a shoulder injury. However, they remain without defender Levi Colwill and forward Estevao. Manager Maresca may consider reintegrating Enzo Fernandez into the starting line-up after the team's flat first-half performance at Newcastle in his absence.
For Villa, goalkeeper Emi Martinez will be assessed after being checked for concussion during the win over Manchester United, though he finished the match. The side continue to miss defender Pau Torres, but welcome back Jadon Sancho, who was ineligible to face his parent club last time out.
Possible line-ups:
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
