Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Premier League Preview, Gameweek 11, 2022

Aston Villa host a rejuvenated Chelsea side in the Premier League as they look to continue their deceiving unbeaten run.

Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Premier League Preview, Gameweek 11, 2022
Emi Martínez and Steven Gerrard clap the Villa fans at Villa Park (James Gill - Danhouse, Getty Images)
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By Malachi Obrey

Aston Villa face Chelsea this weekend at Villa Park after yet another underwhelming performance on Monday night as they drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest.

The Villans are unbeaten in four games, with three draws and one win, yet have failed to impress fans and critics with their blunt and disappointing showings.

Points dropped recently at Leeds and Forest have left fans frustrated, and the 'Gerrard Out' brigade have started to make themselves known.

Manager Steven Gerrard and his side have failed to impress with a system that does not seem to be working despite the talent they have within the squad.

Meanwhile Chelsea have impressed playing exciting and free-flowing football under new coach Graham Potter.

Yet to lose to a game as Chelsea boss, Potter goes into this game off the back of a second victory against AC Milan in the Champions League and an emphatic 3-0 win against Wolves last weekend.

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The Blues will be clear favourites for this Sunday's matchup, but the hosts will be hoping to use the home crowd to their advantage after two away trips on the bounce.

  • Team News

Aston Villa

Summer arrivals Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Diego Carlos (calf/shin/heel) remain out for the foreseeable and will not be back until after the World Cup this winter.

Loanee left back Ludwig Augustinsson (thigh) is out of action for another few weeks after being substituted in the first half against Leeds.

Villa coach Gerrard is hopeful that left back Lucas Digne (calf/shin/heel), who picked up an injury on international duty with France, will return by the end of the month, but will not feature this weekend.

Jamaican winger Leon Bailey will be available this weekend after missing out on Monday night.

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Chelsea

New centre back Wesley Fofana (knee) won't appear at Villa Park. He could make a return before the World Cup, but won't be available until November at the soonest.

Hakim Ziyech will most likely travel to the Midlands after missing out last week due to illness.

England right back Reece James' injury (knee) is worse than initially feared and he fights a race to be fit for the World Cup.

French midfielder N'Golo Kante has been ruled out with a thigh injury which the club is still waiting to see the full extent of.

  • Likely Lineups

Aston Villa

Martínez; Young, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Buendía, Watkins, Bailey.

Chelsea

Arrizabalaga; Cucurella, Silva, Koulibaly, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kovačić, Mount; Havertz, Aubameyang, Sterling.

  • Key Players

Tyrone Mings

Villa's defence is going to have to be in top form this Sunday as they face a Blues attack that has been free-scoring as of late.

The England international has been impressive since being relieved of captaincy duties and has continued to be a big influence on and off the pitch, consulting disgruntled fans after Monday's draw at the City Ground.

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After handling the lethal Erling Haaland with professionalism, limiting the Norwegian to just one goal which is no easy feat, Mings has stepped up and looked assured and less error-prone than he has been previously.

With the World Cup just around the corner, the Villa man will be looking to secure one of the coveted centre back spots for the Three Lions.

Mason Mount

The Cobham graduate has found a new lease of life under new manager Potter, becoming a key cog in the system.

With two assists last time out against Wolves, he will be looking to increase his goal contributions for the season and continue to be a creative spark in Chelsea's midfield.

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His recent form has meant England manager Gareth Southgate will be spoilt for choice in the midfield and attacking areas that Mount would occupy for England, and Chelsea's no.19 will be hoping to give Southgate more of a headache in the coming months.

Mount will be key in trying to unlock The Villains' unstable midfield and penetrate the defence as him and his side look to maintain their unbeaten run since Potter's arrival.

  • Match Details

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at Villa Park, home of Aston Villa.

What time is kick off?

The match starts at 2pm on Sunday, October 16.

Where can I watch?

Fans in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports via a subscription.