Aston Villa - Chelsea predictions and free betting tips [07/02/2024]

On Wednesday the 7th of February, as part of the return match of the 1/16 English Cup Final, Aston Villa will host Chelsea on their home turf. After a goalless draw in West London, the teams will clash at Villa Park, with the Blues having suffered two losses in the national championship during this period.

Projected Line-up

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lengle, Moreno; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins.  
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Chilwell; Chukwuemeka, Fernandez; Palmer, Nkunku, Mudrik; Jackson.  

Aston Villa

After defeating Middlesbrough in the previous round of the English Cup (0:1), Aston Villa drew Chelsea (0:0) in London and is forced to hold the return match on home ground. In the Premier League, as in the previous season, the Birmingham team delights their fans: their current fourth place in the league table and a two-point lead from the fifth spot are seeing the yellow-blues seriously contending for a Champions League spot. However, in recent weeks, Unai Emery's team hasn't looked so confident: 2 losses in the last 6 rounds against 2 wins and 2 draws. After a home defeat against Newcastle (1:3), Aston Villa steamrolled the sinking Sheffield United the past weekend (0:5): the 'Lions' scored four goals in the first half hour of the game, and a powerful strike by Alex Moreno put the game to bed. Surprisingly, the hosts have not made it past the fourth round of the Cup since reaching the final in 2015. Mings and Buendia still remain absent from the team along with defenders Din and Pau Torres, and striker Duran. In addition, Italian winger Zaniolo hasn't fully recovered from his injury. Ollie Watkins (11 goals and 10 assists) remains the main attacking force for the visitors, and will be supported by wingers Bailey (7 goals and 6 assists) and Diaby (4 goals and 4 assists). Promising right back Nedelkovic (18 years) was acquired by the 'Villans' this winter, but will finish the season on loan at his former club (Red Star Belgrade). During the transfer window, winger Rogers (Middlesbrough) and Australian goalkeeper Gauci (Adelaide) also arrived, while experienced Belgian midfielder Dendoncker (Napoli) and winger Bertrand Traore (Villarreal) left.

Chelsea

After a comfortable victory over Preston with a score of 4:0 in the debut round of the English Cup, Chelsea failed to defeat Aston Villa (0:0) in front of their fans. Despite the Blues' ambitious intentions, the London club continues to disappoint fans with lackluster results. Occupying only the 11th place in the Premier League table, the visitors have almost completely lost their chances of getting into the European cups through the national championship. After achieving 3 consecutive victories in January (over Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Fulham), Mauricio Pochettino's team suffered 2 defeat in a row: from Liverpool (4:1) and Wolverhampton (2:4): a hat trick from Matheus Cunha and an own goal from Axel Disasi decided the outcome of the match. Chelsea has lost six of its last seven away games.

However, Londoners still have a chance to make it into the European cups as they face off against Liverpool in the League Cup final. The capital's team line-up is still weakened by the injuries of the main goalkeeper Sanchez, captain James, centre back Fofana, talented Cucurella, Lavia and Ugbo. Returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, striker Jackson (7 goals) got to play against Wolverhampton again, and is being contested in the attack by Frenchman Nkunku. Cole Palmer (10 goals and 4 assists) scored again this past weekend and is a key figure for the Blues. Not showing much activity on the transfer market this winter, Chelsea decided to loan out left back Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund), midfielder Andre Santos (Strasbourg) and strikers Dathro Fofana (Burnley) and Broja (Fulham).

Head-to-head

The Londoners have not only failed to win, but even to score a single goal in their last three encounters with the 'lions'. In the first round of the current Premier League season, 'Villa' came out on top at Stamford Bridge with a score of 0:1.

Match prediction: Aston Villa - Chelsea

Considering Chelsea's recent difficulties in the league, the London club has made a successful Cup run its goal for the rest of the season. Nonetheless, securing a victory at Villa Park will be no easy task for the visitors: 'Villa' barely stumbles on home ground and has been in tremendous form this campaign. My prediction – a victory for the 'Lions'.