Chelsea vs Aston Villa Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

Seven points separate the two sides on the points table!

Matchday 18 of the English Premier League 2025-26 will bring us the action from Stamford Bridge, where the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions will host an in-form Aston Villa.

With eight wins, five draws, and four losses, the hosts have accumulated 29 points from their opening 17 matches. Despite their early momentum, Chelsea currently finds themselves 10 points behind the league leaders, Arsenal. Chelsea drew 2-2 against Newcastle United and will look to get back to winning ways.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, are currently placed in third spot in the league table. They are on a 10-match winning streak across all competitions and are just three points behind Arsenal. A win over Chelsea will cement their status as title challengers for this season. Under the tutelage of Unai Emery, Aston Villa have shown significant improvement and have emerged as one of the most formidable Premier League sides in recent years.

Kick-off:

Location: London, England

Stadium: Stamford Bridge

Date & Kick-off Time: Dec 27 – 11:00 pm IST/05:30 pm GMT/12:30 am ET/09:30 am PT 

Referee: Stuart Attwell

VAR: In use

Form:

Chelsea (in all competitions): D-W-W-L-D

Aston Villa (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

The Argentine midfielder has been impressive so far this season. His partnership with Moisés Caicedo has been great under the tutelage of Enzo Maresca. His playmaking is incredible, and he possesses the ability to control the tempo of the game. He is also a threat in front of the goal as he is currently the second-highest scorer for his team in the league.

Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa)

The Argentine attacker has been impressive in his last few appearances for Aston Villa. His technical ability is outstanding. It makes him a constant threat on the ball. He is very versatile and can play as an attacking midfielder or a right winger. He has registered four goals and two assists in the Premier League. He can step up in big games as well, as he has already scored against Arsenal this season.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-1 win for Aston Villa.
• The Blues played a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their last game.
• Aston Villa won 2-1 against Manchester United in their last game. 

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Chelsea to win – 1.83 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – No – 1.67 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Goals over 2.5 – 1.82 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, and Levi Colwill will be unavailable for the home side as they are still recovering from their respective injuries.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, will only have Tyrone Mings absent from the squad ahead of their clash against Chelsea.

Also Read: Nottingham vs Manchester City Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 62

Chelsea won: 32

Aston Villa won: 15

Draws: 15

Predicted Lineups:

Chelsea (4-4-2)

Sanchez (GK); James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro

Aston Villa (4-1-4-1)

Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen; Kamara, McGinn; Buendía, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins

Match Prediction:

The encounter is expected to be thrilling and close. However, considering their home advantage, the Blues are expected to take all three points from their clash against Aston Villa.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Aston Villa

Telecast details:

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports and Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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