Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Aston Villa is especially important to the club’s quest for Champions League football.
Having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton the week before, the Seagulls then thrashed Enzo Maresca’s side in the league last weekend.
The Blues have since dropped to sixth in the Premier League table and defeat to fellow top-four hopefuls Aston Villa would set them back even further, so a victory here is crucial.
The Chelsea Chronicle provides all the key information about the upcoming match, such as the kick-off time, how to watch and team news.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea kick-off time
The kick-off time for Aston Villa against Chelsea is 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, 22 January. It’s the Blues’ third-last Premier League game before the March international break.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Chelsea fans in the United Kingdom can watch Aston Villa vs Chelsea on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 5 p.m.
Sky Sports subscribers can also enjoy live coverage on the Sky Go app, which is available on phones, tablets and laptops.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea team news
The only difference between Chelsea’s squad for the Brighton defeat and this game is probably the absence of Noni Madueke (hamstring).
Forwards Nicolas Jackson (hamstring) and Marc Guiu (hamstring) are expected to return after the March international break and it’s also likely to be too soon for Benoit Badiashile (muscle) and Romeo Lavia (muscle).
Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) and Omari Kellyman (hamstring) will not play first-team football for several weeks at least.
Reece James did not start against Brighton but that was precautionary more than anything else and he should return to the starting eleven on Saturday.
Aston Villa will be missing Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi and former Blues midfielder Ross Barkley, in addition to Pau Torres, Andre Onana and Boubacar Kamara.
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