Chelsea will be looking to build on their momentum in the Premier League when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have collected seven points from their first three matches of the 2021/22 campaign to cement themselves in the coveted top four, but now face a well-drilled Villa side.
Dean Smith’s Villains, who beat Chelsea on the final day of last season, will be aiming for more consistency after picking up four points from three matches with a win, a loss and a draw.
Realistically, anything other than a win would be a disaster for Chelsea, with the European champions having to ensure they don't slip up in games like this if they are to challenge for the title.
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Ahead of the game, our tipster Robert Mann takes a look at some of the best bets from Chelsea vs Aston Villa to get your teeth stuck into.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa betting tips & predictions
Chelsea are 2/7 to win, with Aston Villa priced at 10/1 to come away with the victory. A draw is priced at 17/4.
Prediction: 3-0 (7/1)
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To Be Booked: John McGinn (7/5)
John McGinn picked up a yellow card in Villa’s last meeting with Chelsea on the final day of last season, taking his total for the campaign to 12.
The Scotland international will have a tough evening ahead of him on Saturday, too, especially with the likes of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount in the middle of the park.
Win to Nil: Chelsea (10/11)
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Keeping two clean sheets in their first three matches, Chelsea’s defence have carried on where they left off in the previous campaign.
Despite having some clever forwards in their ranks, Villa are a less creative force without Jack Grealish and we're backing the Blues to win this one with ease.
First Goalscorer: Romelu Lukaku (21/10)
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Romelu Lukaku has looked brilliant since rejoining the club and looks certain to be among the top scorers in the Premier League this season.
He netted in his first match against Arsenal, scoring the first goal of the game, and we are predicting the same outcome against Villa.
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are, as always, subject to change.
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Chelsea team news
Lukaku suffered an injury scare while on international duty with Belgium, but the thigh problem is thought to be minor, so he should be available to start.
Elsewhere, N'Golo Kante will need to be assessed due to an ankle problem, meaning that Jorginho could be joined in midfield by Mateo Kovacic, although new signing Saul Niguez is also an option for the hosts in the middle of the park.
Aston Villa team news
Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez will both be absent due to quarantine rules, while Trezeguet and Keinan Davis are both still on the sidelines.
Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Sanson remain doubts, but Ezri Konsa, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore should all be available for the visitors.
Topics: Chelsea, Aston Villa, Premier League
