Aston Villa VS Chelsea FC

Aston Villa VS Chelsea FC
17/10/2009, 19:45

Aston Villa (7th) 4-1-2 10:6

Aston Villa have started the season well enough after getting over an opening day home loss to Wigan, but for a club that was considered to be challenging for the top four in recent seasons, the appearance of Manchester City's money-men has been a reality check for the midlands club.

As such the 1-1 draw with Man City here at Villa Park was a good fillup, but if Villa fans are going to believe that Champions League football is a possibility, then a home win over one or two of the big four clubs is really what is required.

Villa have acquitted themselves well against Chelsea here in recent seasons, with a run of two wins and three draws in five games before losing 0-1 here last season.

Aston Villa Team News:
Ashley Young (foot), Curtis Davies (shoulder) and Stewart Downing (ankle) all remain absent.


Chelsea FC (1st) 7-0-1 18:6

This game will be another big test for Chelsea's manager Carlo Ancelotti, as it's the first big away game test for the Blues who are fresh from their 2-0 home win over Liverpool.

However, in the Premier League winning away from home is also required, and while Chelsea have done well with a 3-0-1 record, the first four road games for the The Blues were arguably against weaker sides that Chelsea are expected to beat.

Chelsea's loss against Wigan can he put down losing keeper Petr Cech who was sent off following a penalty incident, but even so I felt that Chelsea were off their game prior to that event.

A win here - and Chelsea are back on track - anything less and the doubts start to form about the Italian manager's approach to away games.
(team news online Friday)



The Betting Verdict

This might be the best time for Villa to face Chelsea, immediately after the international break, and there is the possibility of an upset accordingly.

But, overall, The Blues have been looking very, very tough, and with that loss at Wigan still fresh in the minds of the Chelsea players I do not expect to see another slip-up.

I'll take Chelsea as most likely winners and the price is fair according to my estimates.

THE PICK:
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea FC

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE:
Aston Villa 20% - Draw 20% - Chelsea 60%

FIXED ODDS BETTING:
Take CHELSEA to edge the lunchtime kickoff game