European champions Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for Matchday 4 of the 2021-22 Premier League season, as they will look to extract revenge for the loss in the last game of the 20-21 season.
The Blues currently sit at 4th in the standings, with seven points from the first three games and a goal difference of +5. Visitors Aston Villa have four points from the first three game and are currently 11th in the league standings.
Chelsea have been deemed to be one of the favorites to win the Premier League this season, and to support the claim they have had a great start. The Blues kicked off the new campaign winning two back to back London derbies, 3-0 at home against Crystal Palace, followed by a 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. They then travelled to Anfield on Matchday 3, clinching a point against Liverpool.
Chelsea have a team that are in full form, having six different goal scorers already this season. They are getting goals from their entire squad and have been very resolute in defence. Chelsea also have one of the highest passing accuracy in the final third, a statistic in which Villa have been lacking behind. The passing accuracy in the final third means that they will be continuously looking for goals, and it will not be easy for the Villans to stop them.
Chelsea were presented with a minor blow in the injury section, after Lukaku came off with a scan required for his thigh injury after scoring for Belgium against Czech Republic. Thomas Tuchel will also be without the suspended Reece James, the ill Kai Havertz and the injured N’Golo Kante. To be fair, this won’t be a big problem for Chelsea considering the amazing depth of their squad.
Chelsea’s Predicted Starting XI: GK- Mendy, CBs – Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Christensen, RWB – Azpilicueta, LWB – Marcos Alonso, CDMs – Jorginho and Kovacic, RW – Mason Mount, LW – Christian Pulisic, ST – Timo Werner.
Aston Villa have had a decent start to the season, bar the defeat to Watford on the opening day, followed by a victory against Newcastle United at home, and a draw when they hosted Brentford on matchday 3.
Aston Villa have let the third-least number of shots on their goal, which might be a problem for Chelsea as it will not be easy to find the back of the net. For the lineup, Dean Smith will be facing a few issues, as Argentines Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia will not be available as they will be in quarantine, along with the injured Bertrand Traore, Leon Bailey and Trezeguet. McGinn and Jacob Ramsey are expected to be back after being out due to Covid restrictions.
Aston Villa’s Predicted Starting XI: GK – Jed Steer, CBs – Mings and Tuanzebe, RB – Matty Cash, LB – Targett, CDMs – Douglas Luiz and Chukwuemeka, RAM – El-Ghazi, CAM – John McGinn, LAM – Ashley Young, ST – Danny Ings
Even though Villa have conceded so few shots on their goal, their save percentage has been very low. This means that Chelsea will only need to carve out a few opportunities to get their goals – even with a change of keeper for Villa. Based on the current form, it is easy to predict that the European Champions will come out as winners in this game. They have a strong attack, and even without Lukaku, they should not have a problem in scoring goals. It will not be one the easy games for them, but the Blues will expect to come out victorious in the end.
