Aston Villa FC vs Chelsea FC
Football: 2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 30
Date: Saturday, 15 March 2014 - 18:30 CET - 17:30 GMT
Football: 2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 30
Date: Saturday, 15 March 2014 - 18:30 CET - 17:30 GMT
Aston Villa team enter matchweek 30 of league play in a comfortable 11th
place position. They are 6 points above the relegation zone, and last
weekend's 4-1 thrashing of Norwich solidified their temporary
safety. It was a much-needed victory after the Villains had taken just a
point from 4 games, and Christian Benteke looked his former self with a
brace before the game had even hit the half-hour mark. It's vital
timing for the home side, as lately these two clubs have witnessed a
glutton of goals in their matchups (30 goals in last 6 meetings).
Benteke netted in the last two of those contests, and the Villains will
be heaping their hopes on the big Belgian. But they haven't been the
best side at home this season, earning just 14 points from 14 games.
N'Zogbia, Okore, and Kozak remain long-term absentees, while Herd is out
and Bertrand can't play against his parent club.
Chelsea FC continued their march to the English Premier League title last
weekend with a convincing 4-0 victory over hapless Tottenham. The match
meant Mourinho's unbeaten streak at home was extended to an amazing 75
league games, as well as seeing the Blues to a 7-point lead on the rest
of the pack. But Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all have games
in hand on the leaders, so Mourinho and Co. will be eager to keep the
pressure on their competition with an important away win. Chelsea may
have an eye towards their Champions League clash with GS this
Tuesday, so team selection may vary a bit from last weekend. But the
depth of the Blues is a reason why they're in the great position they
are. Also, the defence ranks 1st in the league and has conceded just 5
goals in their last 13 Premier League games.
Stadium: Villa Park, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Referee: Chris Foy
Referee: Chris Foy
