Chelsea v Aston Villa

27 March 2010 – 15:00 GMT

Chelsea can go top of the table, at least temporarily, as they host Aston Villa in the English Premier League.

Chelsea v Aston Villa Preview

Chelsea are in second heading into the weekend, but can go top of the table with three points against Villa. Man United don’t play until later in the day their stay at the top could be short lived. Aston Villa are level on points with 6th place Liverpool (in the last Europa League spot) and four points behind 4th place Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea has been as dominant as any side at home with a 13-1-1 record and winning their last 5 of 6. Despite their 6-5-3 record on the road, Villa are more than capable of getting a win at Stamford Bridge. They’ve won at Anfield, Old Trafford, and Craven Cottage this season. Villa also won the meeting between the two teams earlier in the season at Villa Park.

Chelsea has been hit by several injuries to their back line. Richard Carvalho and Branislav Ivanovic will both be unavailable leaving John Terry and Alex as the only two first-team central defenders available for the match. Aston Villa will be close to full strength with Nigel Reo-Coker the only player missing due to injury.

Despite having several injuries, Chelsea will have most of their top midfield and strikers available. Didier Drogba has scored three goals in his last two matches including two on Wednesday’s win at Portsmouth.

Aston Villa need a win to keep pace with the other three teams fighting for the last Champions League spot. Another loss could kill their chances and force them to set their sights on the Europa League. Last season, Villa looked like a safe bet to have a top four finish but they faded down the stretch. A win or draw would keep them within reach of 4th place and definitely help the confidence of the team.

Chelsea need a win to put pressure on Manchester United and for their own psyche. They’ve led the table most of the season but a drop in form has allowed Arsenal and Man U back i the title race. Even with a weakened defense, Chelsea should have enough to edge Villa for the three points.

Last 6 EPL Matches

Aston Villa – D W D W D D

Chelsea – L W L W D W

Chelsea v Aston Villa Prediction

Chelsea will win the match 2-1.

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