PREVIEW: Chelsea host Aston Villa. Will Emery's men take on Arsenal?

PREVIEW: Chelsea host Aston Villa. Will Emery's men take on Arsenal?

Chelsea host Aston Villa in a pivotal Premier League encounter, with Villa aiming to equal a club record for consecutive wins and Chelsea battling inconsistency in their Champions League pursuit.

Chelsea, currently fourth, seek to overcome recent inconsistency (W1, D3, L1 in last five) as they host Aston Villa. Their only win in this period came at Stamford Bridge, where improving home form is vital for their top-four ambitions.

Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, arrive after ten straight competitive victories. A win would equal their club record of 11 consecutive wins, with fans recalling their last league title in 1981 as they chase history.

Chelsea's 3-0 victory in this fixture last season is their only win in five league meetings with Villa since Emery's arrival (D1, L3). Villa previously won to nil on their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge before that defeat.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in league matches against teams starting the day above them this season (W2, D1). Villa have not led at half-time in any away league game this campaign (HT: D4, L4).

Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho has attempted two or more shots in five of his last six league starts, and at least three shots in each of his last three games against Villa. Villa’s Youri Tielemans has contributed to two goals in his last three matches.

EstAv3o is doubtful for Chelsea, while Pau Torres is unlikely to feature for Villa.

Chelsea have conceded six of their seven home league goals after half-time this season. Villa have won a league-high five matches when conceding first, showing strong resilience on the road.

With Villa’s remarkable form, a record-equalling win is seen as an enticing prospect for bettors ahead of this high-stakes Premier League clash.