Prediction and odds for the game: Aston Villa (5/1) v Chelsea (1/2)
We are backing the away win
When: Sunday, 21st June 2020, Kick-off 16:15
Where: Villa Park
On Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa host Chelsea at Villa Park in what could be a vital clash in the fight for survival and the race for the top-four.
Aston Villa
Last time out Dean Smith’s team earned a goalless draw at home against Sheffield United. However, the visitors were denied a goal because for the first time in its seven-year presence in the Premier League the goalline system produced an error.
The draw was better than nothing, but Villa are now really in need of victories, as they remain in the relegation zone, albeit just a point behind the likes of Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham.
Understandably considering their position in the table, their recent record in the English Premier League has not been great. The home side has won just once in their last seven league matches. The draw last time out at least ended a four-game losing run though.
Villa’s recent home form has not been great in the top-flight either, as they have won just once in their previous four league matches at Villa Park. Although their recent home games have not always been goal-fests, both teams have scored in 11 of their last 14 matches on home soil in all competitions.
Chelsea
While Villa toil at the wrong end of the table, Chelsea are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League for next season. The Blues are four points clear of Sheffield United in sixth spot, the last European spot that would not bring qualification for Europe’s elite competition for next season.
Frank Lampard’s team has been in mixed form of late, but in their last outing, the team from south west London hammered Everton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. The match saw Chelsea score at least two goals for the fifth time in their last six Premier League games.
The Blues have failed to win any of their last four away matches in the English top-flight, although three of the winless games have finished all square. Chelsea’s away matches usually guarantee goals, as both teams have scored in 15 of the last 18 away matches in all competitions.
The recent history of this fixture certainly points to an away win, as Chelsea have won the last five meetings with Villa. They have also beaten the Villans in nine of the last ten Premier League meetings.
Conclusion
Villa have not been great in the Premier League this season. The draw against Sheffield United may have given them a slight, but we can see the visitors recording a victory in this clash. We are also backing under 2.5 goals scored, as Villa are not prolific and will likely be cautious. Chelsea have found it difficult to break down teams but should have enough quality to come out on top.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 1/2 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 11/8. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Will Villa or Chelsea move a step closer to their aim on Sunday?