Chelsea vs Aston Villa LIVE!
Chelsea produced a complete team performance to brush aside Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were in fine form in west London on Sunday, going ahead inside seven minutes after Nicolas Jackson turned home with an instinctive finish off the post following robust work from Marc Cucurella. They went in at the break 2-0 to the good thanks to stand-in captain Enzo Fernandez’s second goal in as many games following brilliant link-up play with Cole Palmer.
Villa saw goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez taken off at half-time while Chelsea lost Wesley Fofana to a hamstring injury after the break that could keep the French defender out for as long as five weeks in a major blow over the festive period. That news overshadowed an otherwise superb third victory of the week for Enzo Maresca’s side, with Palmer adding a fantastic late third as he arrowed an unstoppable strike into the far corner.
The result takes Chelsea up to third in the Premier League for now, behind London rivals Arsenal in second on alphabetical order only before Manchester City face leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Follow Chelsea vs Aston Villa reaction live below!
Chelsea vs Aston Villa highlights
- GOAL! Palmer nets brilliant late third
- Chelsea lose Fofana to second-half injury
- Villa goalkeeper Martinez subbed off at half-time
- GOAL! Fernandez doubles first-half advantage
- GOAL! Jackson fires Chelsea into early lead
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:29 , George FloodFull-time
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:28 , George Flood95 mins: One final chance for a fourth Chelsea goal that would take them up to second in the table - they are currently behind Arsenal in third on alphabetical order only.
However, Nkunku fires wide.
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:23 , George Flood90 mins: A brave stop from Sanchez to deny Duran before a vital block from Colwill then preserves Chelsea’s clean sheet.
McGinn then fires into the stands, drawing ironic cheers from the home fans.
Into five minutes of stoppage time.
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:22 , George Flood88 mins: It really should be 4-0 to Chelsea, but Olsen makes a low stop to deny Felix before Madueke then can’t find the back of the net and Felix is unable to squeeze a header in from a tough angle.
Felix booked for a poor challenge, with Madueke having also been cautioned for simulation.
The second of the game for that after Philogene.
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:19 , George Flood86 mins: A standing ovation for Palmer after that delightful goal as he’s replaced by Joao Felix.
Malo Gusto also replaces Lavia.
Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa
15:18 , George Flood84 mins: Watkins heads off for Villa with this game now firmly lost.
Emi Buendia takes his place for the final few minutes.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa | Cole Palmer 83'
15:16 , George Flood83 mins: More great anticipation from Cucurella to stop Bailey before Palmer is taken down by Barkley to offer Chelsea the chance to deliver a late free-kick into the box from a dangerous position.
They go short for Madueke, who squares for Palmer to roll the ball across before picking out the far corner with a superb strike.
What a goal. The icing on the cake for Chelsea.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:13 , George Flood78 mins: Villa release substitute Bailey down the right and he cuts inside into the box, with a few stepovers along the way.
Lovely defending from Cucurella to stop the Jamaican in his tracks.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:12 , George Flood76 mins: Not a lot of attacking threat coming at all from Chelsea just at the moment.
They look content to coast to a comfortable win in a tame second half, though one Villa goal could change everything...
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:07 , George Flood73 mins: Sanchez battles to scramble clear as Chelsea do get the ball away after the latest Villa corner, but I think the assistant referee has ruled that ball never came in.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:0671 mins: The lively Duran - no doubt eager to prove why Chelsea should have signed him over the summer - forces a Villa corner and Barkley’s header is diverted behind off the head of Colwill.
That looked like a crucial touch, though Sanchez may have had it covered.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:04 , George Flood70 mins: A final chance for Sancho is diverted behind for a corner before Chelsea introduce Madueke and Nkunku with 20 minutes to go.
They replace Sancho and Jackson. A fine reception from the home fans for the in-form Jackson.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
15:00 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Things have just slowed a little for Chelsea, but here comes that show of depth.
Enzo Maresca has just called Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku back from their warm-ups.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:59 , George Flood64 mins: A real chance for Chelsea to notch a third goal to put this game to bed as Konsa makes a total hash of a clearance and Jackson races into the box, but Olsen gets down bravely to deny him.
McGinn hits the deck after wrestling with Lavia.
Two more Villa changes now - former Chelsea transfer target Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey are both coming on.
They replace Rogers and Philogene.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:56 , George Flood62 mins: Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is coming on for Villa now, to applause from the home fans.
Off goes Kamara.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:55 , George Flood60 mins: The second yellow card of the day goes to Cash for a late challenge on Fernandez.
He joins Philogene in the book.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:54 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
This is a blow for Chelsea, because Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill have formed a decent partnership of late and have the pace and physicality to match up against Watkins and Rogers.
Can Badiashile slot straight in and do the same?
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:52 , George Flood58 mins: This is a real concern for Chelsea now with Fofana still down, having tread on the ball and gone over awkwardly during that tussle with Watkins.
He certainly doesn’t need any more injuries. Compatriot Benoit Badiashile is preparing to come on.
Fofana limps off.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:50 , George Flood56 mins: A bit more joy for Villa now with Fofana slipping to open the door and Philogene earning a corner off Cucurella.
Fofana is down here and holding the back of his right leg.
He’ll receive some treatment as the TV cameras pan to former Chelsea captain Dennis Wise in the stands.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:46 , George Flood53 mins: Villa are denied a penalty for shouts of handball against Cucurella, before Philogene then takes a tumble under minimal pressure from Fernandez.
Never a penalty and in fact he’s going to be booked for simulation. Hard to argue with that.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:45 , George Flood52 mins: A good advantage from referee Stuart Attwell as Fernandez wins a battle with Kamara and is fouled as he slides through a deflected pass into the box for Jackson, who blazes over the bar.
Kamara lucky to avoid a retrospective booking there.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:44 , George Flood50 mins: Some bright moments for Villa early in this second half as Rogers almost combines with Watkins.
Jackson tries to get away at the other end, but he’s offside and knows it.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:41 , George Flood48 mins: Olsen’s first contribution is to scramble the ball away inside the Villa box with his feet after another bout of Chelsea pressure.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:38 , George Flood45 mins: Back underway at Stamford Bridge, no Chelsea changes just yet.
Villa start fast and Sanchez gets down low to his left to deny McGinn, but the offside flag is up.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:36Emi Martinez is coming off for Villa at half-time.
Swedish deputy Robin Olsen is preparing for his first minutes of the season.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:29 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Largely impressive from Chelsea, who have controlled the game and deserve their two-goal lead.
And yet that little sense of vulnerability remains and were Ollie Watkins in any sort of form it might well be 2-2.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:24 , George FloodHalf-time
Straightforward stuff from Chelsea so far. They lead 2-0 at the interval after Jackson’s instinctive finish and a fine strike from Fernandez.
Villa’s defending almost slapstick at times in that first half - strange to see them look so poor under Emery.
Watkins with their best chances so far, but it very much looks like it will be eight without a win across all competitions.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:22 , George Flood49 mins: Yet another hairy moment for Martinez with half-time looming, but he just about manages to negotiate it.
Watkins then clatters into Colwill with a poor challenge born of pure frustration.
He apologies to his England team-mate, but is lucky not to receive the first booking of the afternoon from referee Stuart Attwell.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:18 , George Flood47 mins: Fernandez is caught in possession by a combination of Rogers and Philogene, who tees up Watkins for a low effort that is held at his front post by Sanchez.
A late first-half warning for Chelsea and their stand-in captain there not to get too comfortable.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:16 , George Flood44 mins: Villa are pumping aimless ball after aimless ball forward with no chance for Watkins on any of them.
They badly need half-time here. But five minutes of added time to come first.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:15 , George FloodTwo in two for Enzo Fernandez...
Enzo Fernández doubles Chelsea's lead against Aston Villa! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dDphFoEDuu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:12 , George Flood40 mins: Caicedo feeds Palmer and the England man drags a shot low past the post.
Martinez may have to come off here for Villa.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:11 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
The mini-renaissance continues for Enzo Fernandez. Two in two now for the Argentine since returning to the Premier League lineup.
Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
14:1138 mins: Villa are trying to hit back before the break and there’s a fine challenge from Colwill to shut the door inside the box.
Lavia is then left rolling around after what looked like a fair challenge from Rogers.
The Belgian is back on his feet now.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa | Enzo Fernandez 36'
14:07 , George Flood36 mins: Chelsea double their first-half lead!
The Blues win a midfield tussle before Fernandez exchanges passes with Palmer, getting into the box and seeing the ball skip up after a heavy first touch.
No matter as he rifles the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot.
That had been coming. Villa in all sorts of trouble now.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
14:06 , George Flood34 mins: A mazy run from Sancho into the Villa box now.
He’s crowded out and it comes to nothing, but Kamara is very lucky that the Chelsea winger stayed on his feet there after an ill-advised challenge.
That could easily have been a penalty.
At the other end, Sanchez comes racing out of his box to make a slightly bizarre headed clearance.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
14:04 , George Flood32 mins: Cash easily heads away a terrible corner at the front post and Chelsea have to reset.
But reset they do as a lofted ball forward is then deflected behind off Cash for another corner.
Rogers makes an important touch to head behind in front of Fofana, but Cucurella is whistled for a foul on Martinez.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
14:02 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
The Villa fans were halfway through a rendition of “Emi Martinez, the world’s No1” when their goalkeeper decided to pass it to the opposition centre-forward six yards out.
John Cleese didn’t have such comic timing.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
14:02 , George Flood29 mins: Martinez is down after that heart-in-mouth moment and receiving a bit of treatment.
I think his face must have collided with the boot of Jackson as he sprawled to make that save.
He’s okay to continue and Chelsea have a corner from the left.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
14:01 , George Flood28 mins: Martinez confidently claims a cross in impressive fashion before inexplicably passing the ball straight to Jackson inside the box.
The touch is just too heavy from the Chelsea striker and Martinez is able to scramble across and atone for his error with a brave stop.
Villa are certainly living dangerously here...
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:57 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
I was going to call that an anti-climax, but I actually think the bodies flying at the ball is what you want in that scenario.
There were about six blocking Lavia’s follow-up.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:56 , George Flood25 mins: Fernandez, Palmer and Sancho all lining up for this rare indirect free-kick inside the box.
Fernandez touches it for Palmer, whose powerful drive is blocked by Martinez.
Kamara then blocks from Lavia. Fine defending from Villa.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:5522 mins: Chelsea try to slide in a ball behind for Sancho, but the offside flag is raised.
Villa lose the ball in the box and Palmer stings the palms of Martinez, who picks it up after some dithering touches from Torres.
It’s given as a backpass! Wow. Can’t remember the last time I saw that.
Why didn’t Torres put his foot through it?!
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:52 , George FloodReplays show that Rogers was in acres of space for a cutback from Watkins a few minutes ago, with Philogene also up in support.
The England striker only had eyes for goal, but his low shot lacked accuracy and did not ask nearly enough questions of Sanchez.
How costly could that be?
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:49 , George FloodAn eighth goal of the season across all competitions for the resurgent Nicolas Jackson...
Nicolas JACKSON! 🔥
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024
Chelsea take an early lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/fCQjK7j0CF
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:47 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Terrific, open game, this. Villa are looking to that early ball in behind for Watkins and Chelsea’s high press is leaving space in midfield.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:4713 mins: That early goal has really opened this game up nicely and it’s thrilling fare just at the moment.
Watkins is sent through for Villa but Sanchez rushes out to deny him bravely.
That could easily have been 1-1.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:44 , George Flood11 mins: It’s end-to-end stuff now at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s early opener, with crosses and pressure at both ends.
Philogene miscues a powerful volley before Lavia does brilliantly to see off the danger posed by Tielemans inside the Chelsea box.
The Blues then break at speed, with Neto cutting inside off the right flank before scuffing a low shot well wide of the Emi Martinez’s near post.
Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa
13:42Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
Terrific, instinctive finish from Jackson, who is playing with so much confidence at the moment.
There was a really poor clearing header in there from Pau Torres though, and one that he didn’t need to make because all four of the Chelsea players lurking behind him were way offside.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Aston Villa | Nicolas Jackson 7'
13:38 , George Flood7 mins: And they won’t keep one today either!
Neto and Lavia both see crosses repelled before determined work from Cucurella sees him win the ball back from Philogene and charge towards the byline before delivering a cross that is swept in off the post via the aid of a deflection by Jackson.
What a start for Chelsea. Villa are furious - they feel that was a foul by Cucurella on Philogene, who stayed down.
Goal stands after a VAR check.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
13:37 , George Flood6 mins: A reminder that Villa are without a single Premier League clean sheet on the road so far this season.
They haven’t pitched a shutout away in the top-flight since beating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates back in April, derailing the Gunners’ title bid in the process.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
13:35 , George Flood4 mins: A rather combative start to proceedings at Stamford Bridge with plenty of early ambition on display from Villa as they look to break out of their recent slump.
But Chelsea are pressing well and now beginning to control possession.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
13:33 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
A bit of bluffing from Enzo Maresca pre-match it seems because Chelsea have started with Moises Caicedo at right-back and their usual back four.
Interesting how high Levi Colwill is pressing, though. He followed Morgan Rogers all the way up to the edge of the Villa area just now.
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
13:31 , George FloodOff and running in west London!
Despite Maresca’s pre-match hints, Chelsea do look to be lining up with Caicedo at right-back.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
13:27Here come the teams at Stamford Bridge!
Both sides in their familiar home strips this afternoon.
Stuart Attwell is today’s referee, with Michael Salisbury on VAR duty.
Maresca hints at possible change in Chelsea shape
13:21Enzo Maresca has hinted at a potential change of shape for Chelsea in his pre-match interview, so perhaps it won’t be Moises Caicedo at right-back after all.
He has mentioned the Ecuadorian playing in midfield as part of a trio alongside Lavia and Fernandez, while Fofana, Colwill and Cucurella are working on drills as a back three during warm-ups.
So could it be Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho as wing-backs in that case?
"The idea is to always form a different game plan which depends on our team and the other team. We decided to go with Romeo, Moi and Enzo, and hopefully, it will work,” Maresca said on Sky Sports.
"It’s a big game and a tough game, in the same way the rest of the games have been. In this moment, we aren’t focused on the top four, we are focused on the game."
Aston Villa looking for third straight league win at Stamford Bridge
13:09 , George FloodAston Villa are looking for a third straight league win away at Chelsea today for the first time since a run between 1930-33.
The Blues tend to be much better away than they are at home.
They drew 2-2 at Villa Park back in April after fighting back from 2-0 down and having a late Axel Disasi goal disallowed, while Chelsea beat Villa in the FA Cup 3-1 in a fourth-round replay in February after a goalless home draw.
Villa have not conceded a single goal on their last three trips to this ground across all competitions, though they are winless in seven now this season.
Maresca springs Chelsea selection surprises
12:55Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Malik Ouzia is in position at Stamford Bridge and reacts to that slightly surprising Chelsea team selection, headlined by Moises Caicedo at right-back...
🗣️ "An interesting team selection from Enzo Maresca."@MalikOuzia_ reacts to that Chelsea lineup at Stamford Bridge
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 1, 2024
LIVE: https://t.co/8HdyvAwpDp#CHEAVL pic.twitter.com/QNeTYXWkKP
No Onana for Aston Villa as Konsa and Philogene start
12:40 , George FloodNo Amadou Onana again for Aston Villa after a late check on his foot issue sustained in the Nations League with Belgium - he misses a third straight game.
Ezri Konsa does start though after a hip problem suffered with England, replacing Diego Carlos in defence.
The fit-again Boubacar Kamara continues alongside Youri Tielemans in place of Onana in midfield, while Jadon Philogene is preferred to Leon Bailey in attack.
Teenage defender Kosta Nedeljkovic apparently travelled with the team but is not involved.
Caicedo at right-back as Maresca makes three Chelsea changes
12:35 , George FloodAn interesting team selection then from Enzo Maresca, who has Malo Gusto back on the bench after illness but appears to have opted with Moises Caicedo as a makeshift right-back with no Reece James of course.
That means that Enzo Fernandez keeps his place in midfield as Romeo Lavia returns, with Pedro Neto straight back into the attack after injury and Jadon Sancho also getting the nod after his impressive display in Germany.
In terms of the team that started against Leicester, it’s Lavia, Neto and Sancho replacing Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and Joao Felix.
Sancho is the only player who started in the Conference League to keep their place this afternoon.
Aston Villa team
12:22 , George FloodStarting XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Philogene, Rogers, McGinn, Watkins
Subs: Olsen, Carlos, Mings, Maatsen, Barkley, Buendia, Bogarde, Bailey, Duran
Chelsea team
12:18 , George FloodStarting XI: Sanchez, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Lavia, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga, Gusto, Madueke, Mudryk, Felix, Nkunku
Lineups on the way
12:11 , George FloodA cold and very gloomy December afternoon in west London, where the floodlights have already been needed before midday.
Official team news on the way from Stamford Bridge very shortly!
Stay tuned...
Chelsea's Conference League stars continue to state their case
12:05 , George FloodEnzo Maresca’s policy with fielding different teams in the Premier League and Conference League is now firmly established this season, but you do wonder how long it will take for some of those impressive performances in Europe to have an impact on his top-flight selection.
Particularly in goal, with Filip Jorgensen making some fine saves in Germany on Thursday to put more pressure on divisive No1 Robert Sanchez.
Jadon Sancho also impressed against Heidenheim, while Christopher Nkunku’s 11th goal in 19 matches this term means he remains Chelsea’s top scorer across all competitions despite making just a single Premier League start so far.
Mykhailo Mudryk was also impressive on Thursday, while Maresca singled out the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Cesare Casadei for praise, despite the latter’s late sending off for two bookable offences.
Emery urges caution over fit-again Kamara's minutes
11:48Aston Villa’s own midfield dilemma may be mitigated by the absence of Amadou Onana if he misses out again with that foot issue, with Jacob Ramsey also still out.
But Boubacar Kamara’s return from a hamstring injury is a welcome development for Unai Emery, with the Frenchman having started alongside Youri Tielemans against Juventus after Ross Barkley got the nod at Selhurst Park last weekend.
"Kamara is getting better,” Emery said this week.
“He had a small injury. He was not available one match before.
“He was feeling comfortable and I decided to replace him the last 20 minutes [against Juventus] because he needs minutes, but as well to be careful with the minutes he is playing.”
Maresca addresses Chelsea midfield conundrum after Fernandez recall
11:38 , George FloodBoth Enzo Maresca and Unai Emery could be facing selection headaches in midfield this afternoon.
Enzo Fernandez has endured a frustrating season at Chelsea so far, though enjoyed a starring role at Leicester last weekend.
It will be interesting to see today if the Argentine keeps his place or Maresca opts to revert back to his favoured midfield pivot of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
"Enzo is doing well since we started," said Maresca this week.
"For some games, I take different decisions - it doesn't mean they are out.
“If they think on the bench they are doing bad, it is not like this.
"The game plan requires different kinds of players and that's the reason why sometimes we go for Moises and Romeo.
“We can go in future with Romeo and Enzo or Romeo, Enzo and Moises. It depends on the game."
Maresca insists resurgent Chelsea are not title contenders
11:27 , George FloodChelsea have been leapfrogged by both Arsenal and Brighton in recent days to drop down to fifth in the Premier League table, though they would go straight back up to third with another victory this afternoon and behind the ruthless Gunners only on goal difference.
A seventh win from 13 league matches in this impressive start to the new era would take them just six points off top spot before early leaders Liverpool host crisis-stricken Manchester City - currently fourth - at Anfield later on.
Despite that, Enzo Maresca insisted once again this week that his Chelsea side were not title challengers.
"No," he said. "I said many times I didn't like the pressure. I didn't like to say yes we are there, but we are not there.
"Arsenal are ahead of us, City is ahead of us, Liverpool showing they are ahead of us. The important thing is we improve game after game and then we will see.
"For me, it is not about points or the table, it is about the process and the programme. Five years together (Arsenal), nine together (City).
“Liverpool is different but they didn't make too many changes from before.
“It's not about the points difference on the table, it is about the time together."
Chelsea vs Aston Villa prediction
11:18 , George FloodWhile Villa should take confidence from their recent league results at Stamford Bridge, these are the games Chelsea have to win to prove their top-four credentials.
Chelsea to win, 3-1.
Early Aston Villa team news: No Ramsey as Onana faces fitness test
11:16Aston Villa were set to assess £50million midfielder Amadou Onana ahead of today’s trip to Stamford Bridge after he suffered a foot injury while away on international duty with Belgium recently and missed the draws with Crystal Palace and Juventus.
Ezri Konsa was back on the bench this week after a hip issue sustained with England and could start this afternoon, while Boubacar Kamara is fit again after a hamstring problem.
However, Villa will definitely remain without Jacob Ramsey, who is yet to recover from his own hamstring complaint suffered in the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool last month.
Early Chelsea team news: Gusto and Neto should return
11:10 , George FloodChelsea should be boosted this afternoon by the respective returns to fitness of Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto.
Full-back Gusto missed the win over Leicester through illness, while Neto - who scored that cracking equaliser against Arsenal before the international break - picked up a knock playing for Portugal in the Nations League.
Neither player was involved against Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday, but Enzo Maresca expressed confidence ahead of that game that both would be fine to feature against Villa.
Chelsea need Gusto back with no current timeline for captain Reece James’ return from his latest hamstring injury, which reports suggest could keep him out for the rest of December.
Young midfielder Omari Kellyman has been Chelsea’s only other recent injury concern, while all their big hitters - led by Cole Palmer - should return this afternoon after their usual Conference League rest.
Maresca’s biggest selection decision would appear to come in midfield, where Enzo Fernandez provided a goal and an assist against Leicester last weekend but could still lose his starting berth to the fit-again Romeo Lavia.
How to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa
11:05TV channel: Today’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Live stream: Subscribers will also be able to watch on a live stream online via the Sky Go app.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa live
11:01 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Aston Villa in the Premier League.
After returning from the latest international break with victories over Leicester and Heidenheim, the Blues are looking to make it three in a row today to potentially move as high as third against a struggling Villa team who are now winless in their last seven after frustrating draws with both Crystal Palace and Juventus.
However, Villa have won on their last two top-flight trips to Stamford Bridge without conceding, so will have no fears about what’s in store this afternoon despite their patchy form so far this season.
Kick-off today is at 1:30pm GMT, so keep it right here for all your match build-up, latest team news and live updates, including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge.
