Chelsea look to start the New Year on a high against Aston Villa
On paper, it would seem as if http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 are destined to stroll away with all three points when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. However we know now that it’s never that simple. Both sides have struggled to find their form in recent weeks.
Chelsea have won only one match in their last seven attempts, while Aston Villa are in even worse shape. Gerard Houllier’s side has won only one game away from home all season, leaving the Villans just one point away from the relegation zone.
However, Aston Villa will feel that they have a fighting chance against the English Champions. Chelsea’s confidence will be low due to the recent slump, which saw them surrender their five point lead at the top of the Premier League table, and drop down
to fourth position. Also, Gerard Houllier will be aware that Stamford Bridge is not the fortress it once was; a point proven by Sunderland after they thrashed the Blues 3-0 here. Villa have won only two of their last thirteen matches against the Blues. The
Aston Villa manager will see this as the perfect opportunity to end his side’s dismal run against the English champions.
Carlo Ancelloti will be a happy man after Chelsea’s midweek victory over Bolton. However, he will be aware that they can’t afford any more slip-ups if they are to have any hope of retaining the title. The pressure is affecting Chelsea’s performances; something
that was evident in their nervy encounter against Bolton this week. The win will surely give the ailing champions a much needed boost, as they head into the new year still in contention for the Barclays Premier League crown.
Ancelloti will have to do without the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Obi-Mikel-c18882 for the match against Villa. Ivanovic is suspended, while Mikel has yet to recover from a knee injury he sustained against Arsenal. This leaves the Chelsea manager with
some tough decisions to make. He can either use http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeffrey-Bruma-c18265 a rare start. Whatever Ancelotti decides, the Blues will still be weak in defence, and Aston Villa will be sure to use that to their advantage.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emile-Heskey-c12468. The pair is almost certain to start for the Villans. Young’s return will provide the team with some much needed creativity in midfield, while Heskey is sure
to ask questions of the weakened Chelsea defence.
Last season, Aston Villa were mauled by the Blues 7-1 at Stamford Bridge. The Villans will be out for revenge this time. Houllier’s side has already held Chelsea to a draw at Villa park earlier in the season, and will be looking to go one step further this
time. All signs point to a thrilling encounter when the two sides go head to head on Sunday.
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