Chelsea
travel to Aston Villa five points clear at the top of the Premier League to
face Paul Lambert's out-of-sorts side, who are without a goal in over 10
hours of league football.
Villa haven't found the net since Christian Benteke's opener against
Manchester United on December 20, seven league games ago, and were
comprehensively beaten 5-0 last time out at Arsenal.
However, Villa's record against Jose Mourinho at home is surprisingly
impressive, winning two and drawing three of their five games against the
Portuguese boss in the Premier League.
After Chelsea's uninspiring performance in the 1-1 draw with title rivals
Manchester City last weekend, Mourinho will want a swift return to form at a
ground they lost 1-0 at last year to Fabian Delph's late winner.
Team news
Captain Ron Vlaar could return for Villa after resuming training this week
having been sidelined with a knee injury since limping out against Crystal
Palace on New Year's Day.
Philippe Senderos is likely to sit out again with his calf problem and Libor
Kozak continues to recover from a broken leg but Joe Cole may make the squad
after a hamstring injury.
Deadline day signing Juan Cuadrado could make his and fit again playmaker
Cesc Fabregas could also feature for the Premier League leaders.
Filipe Luis (calf) remains out alongside the suspended Diego Costa, who
serves the second of his three-match ban for his stamp on Liverpool's Emre
Can.
Opta stats
There have been four red cards shown in the last two Premier League meetings
between Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are the only two Premier League teams Jose
Mourinho has visited with a Chelsea team without having at least one
victory.
Branislav Ivanovic made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa and has
scored four goals in his last five Premier League starts against the
Villans.
Chelsea have won five and lost one of the last six Premier League meetings
with Aston Villa.
Aston Villa have won just one of their last nine Premier league games at
Villa Park (W1 D4 L4).
This match will be Paul Lambert’s 100th Premier League game in charge of
Villa. Only Alex McLeish (18%) has a lower win % than Lambert (25%) amongst
permanent Villa managers.
Merson’s prediction
I can't see anything but Chelsea winning, and I'm being kind. The easy bit
with these two teams is the nil. Last week was atrocious for Villa, and I
mean atrocious. Sooner or later, they've got to take a chance, go out and
have a go, free-swing it against Chelsea.
If you sit back and play 10 behind the ball, Chelsea will break you down
before the end of the football match. I can see how they tried to squeeze
the game and close Arsenal in, but they're just not that good.
They need to open this game up and have a go. I worry for Villa, if you're
not scoring goals I just don't know how you stay up.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2
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