da wazamba： Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will be hammering home the importance of beating Aston Villa to his players as he attempts to keep the Blues in the top four.
da roleta： The Portuguese coach has overseen a period of transition since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer but has managed to guide his side to fourth going into the half way stage of the season. The Blues haven’t looked as formidable as they have done in recent seasons with Villas-Boas’ defensive tactics coming in for some criticism with 13 goals conceded at Stamford Bridge in just 18 games. The imminent signing of Bolton defender Gary Cahill should go some way to remedying that in the second half of the campaign although they’ll need to get through a tricky contest with Villa on New Years Eve. A run of three consecutive 1-1 draws has left Chelsea just a point clear of Arsenal who currently sit a place below them. Beating Villa will be considered imperative if they are to begin 2012 in pole position for Champions League qualification.
It’s a similar story for Alex McLeish’s side who have two of their last eleven league games and have slipped down to 12th in the table. After remaining unbeaten for their first seven games of the season things have unfolded for Villa since mid-October although their confidence should be boosted after they held Stoke to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day. Injuries have hit McLeish hard in recent weeks with key marksman Darren Bent struggling with a thigh injury whilst Shay Given has also spent time on the sidelines. Getting those players fit again will be crucial for the Villans who find themselves just six points above the relegation zone going into the New Year. Beating Chelsea would see them potentially rise into the top half whilst a defeat could push them closer towards danger.
Chelsea 4th : 34 points
Team news: Branislac Ivanovic and Jon Obi Mikel are definitely out after picking up injuries in the draw with Tottenham before Christmas although Jose Boswinga could return from a hamstring injury suffered in the same game.
Key Player: Daniel Sturridge
The newly capped England striker has gone from fourth choice to being the first name on the teamsheet at Stamford Bridge. Sturridge has been impeccable for Chelsea this season with his goals and dynamic performances on the right of the front three making him the Blues’ biggest threat.
Aston Villa 12th : 20 points
Team news: Darren Bent could return from a thigh injury but Emile Heskey is out until the New Year with an Achilles problem.
Key Player: Stephen Warnock
Although not normally considered Villa’s key player Warnock will have an important job to do keeping Daniel Sturridge quiet. The left back will need to limit the amount of space the Chelsea man has whilst keeping a close eye on his dangerous movement.
PREDICTION
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six but have drawn their last three and will be desperate to get back on the winning trail to keep their top four aspirations alive. Villa are also on a poor run and will find it extremely difficult to take all three points back to the Midlands.
Score: 2-0
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