Chelsea host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Blues showed character to rescue a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United last Saturday, while the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Manchester United the following day.
Match preview
Chelsea are 10 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. A top-four finish is now their most realistic target.
The Blues have fared well against the best teams in the division, which was evident again in their second-half performance at Newcastle.
However, they cannot afford to start the game slowly this time, given Villa’s recent form. The Villans have won their last seven league games to sit just three points behind Arsenal.
This fixture is another test of their title credentials. They have beaten United and Arsenal at home already this season, but lost at Liverpool.
A victory for the visitors will boost their hopes of challenging for the title.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have won 30 and drawn 14 of their 60 meetings with Villa in the Premier League era. However, they have lost two of their last three league home games against them.
Team news
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Estevao and Liam Delap have returned to full fitness, while Cole Palmer is now ‘ready to play 90 minutes’.
Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo remain sidelined, but it is unclear whether Jamie Gittens will be available.
Pau Torres, Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are injured, while Evann Guessand is unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins
Prediction
Chelsea and Villa have prolific attacks and defensive frailties. We predict a 2-2 draw.
Stats from transfermarkt.com.
