Premier League football returns back to Villa Park this week as Aston Villa host Chelsea this Sunday. Let’s get into this week’s match preview…
THE BUILD UP
Villa enter the fixture on a four-game unbeaten streak, with draws against Manchester City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, plus a victory over Southampton. However, there is a shudder of toxicity around the club, particularly from a section of the fans who are frustrated with manager Steven Gerrard.
Chelsea also head into the weekend in good form and find themselves having won all of their last four games. A UEFA Champions League double over AC Milan accompany league success over Wolves and Crystal Palace across the last fortnight.
Despite a feeling of angst at Aston Villa, the fan-base were treated to the news that Douglas Luiz had signed a new long-term deal with the club on Friday. The Brazilian midfielder almost left the club on this Summer’s deadline day after top of the league Arsenal showed significant interest.
The 24-year-old decided to stay in Birmingham however, and has reportedly extended his stay to 2026. In a recent interview, Luiz said: βIβm so happy in this club and I love this club.”
A BIT ON CHELSEA
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table on 16 points after eight games played. So far this season they have beaten the likes of Everton, Leicester City and rivals West Ham, but have disappointingly tasted defeat against teams such as Leeds United and Southampton.
This inconsistency in form led to a change in management, whereby former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel. Potter has made a good start to life in London and is yet to be on the losing side after five games in charge.
Summer recruit Raheem Sterling is The Blues’ top goal scorer so far this, having put three away this campaign. Also joining the club this Summer were Denis Zakaria, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and former Villan Carney Chukwuemeka.
Graham Potter will look to continue his team’s good form, but the 47 year-old is yet to get the better of this weekend’s managerial counterpart, losing to him on both occasions last season with The Seagulls.
Can Chelsea make it five wins in a row as they aim for a top four finish or will Steven Gerrard continue to better Graham Potter in the dugout?
THE GAFFER’S THOUGHTS
Steven Gerrard met with the media on Friday afternoon, previewing Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.
Firstly, when questioned on form, he remained positive but wanting more. He said: βWe are four unbeaten, but weβre not satisfied with that because the last two, we should have executed the game in a better way. βWe go into this game with belief and confidence that it will click.β
The gaffer was also asked about the prospect of facing a big team like Chelsea, he responded with: βWe have proved that we can compete against the top sides, especially with a packed-out Villa Park behind us.β
The former Rangers boss was asked about outside noise and pressure, he replied with: βSome days you have to dig in and accept criticism from the outside. βWe are one big moment from sitting in a much healthier position.β
Finally, when questioned on the standards of the squad, he said: βThere should be expectation on this group, we will thrive to be the best we can be.β
TEAM NEWS AND PREDICTED LINE-UP
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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