Chelsea’s current bogey team travels to Stamford Bridge to take on Thomas Tuchel’s new look squad.
The Blues added Romelu Lukaku and Saul Niguez in the summer to an already strong, Champions League-winning squad. Both will be available for selection when Dean Smith’s Aston Villa comes to town.
The Villains defeated Chelsea in the final game of the last campaign, almost ruining the Blues’ shot at Champions League qualification.
The home side will be out for blood in Lukaku’s return to SW6, the question is whether or not it can capture all three points on this occasion.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees this match playing out:
Read Also: Chelsea will not go for Club World Cup in Japan after FIFA ruling
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 3-0 Chelsea
Aston Villa has proven difficult for the Blues in recent times. However, they should have too much for the visiting challengers. The Villains have not started the season well and Chelsea should look to pile on more misery. Hakim Ziyech may return, which means it’s going to be scary for Villa.
Mike Malley: 2-0 Chelsea
This much-hyped Villa team has gotten off to a disappointing start in 2021, having taken only four points from its first three matches. That fact, combined with Chelsea’s incredible form, spells doom for the side from Birmingham, especially if the Blues’ stars play up to their potential. Timo Werner looked particularly hot during the international break, scoring three goals and assisting another, so he will likely be included in Tuchel’s starting XI on one of the wings. Unless Smith made some massive tactical adjustments over the past few weeks, expect an easy victory for the Blues.
Nate Hofmann: 3-1 Chelsea
Villa without Jack Grealish is simply a different beast; one with less diving and better haircuts. The lack of Grealish is one thing, but add in the weird South American COVID shenanigans involving Villa’s two Emilianos (Emiliani?), Buendia and Martinez, and this is an even less threatening prospect. Of course, Premier League matches are never as simple as they look on paper, but this one seems pretty clear-cut as long as everyone in blue is on the same page after the international break.
