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FA
Cup: Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Kickoff
Time: 2024-02-08 04:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/CHRIS
RADBURN
In
the Premier League last weekend, Aston Villa achieved an impressive 5-0 victory
over Sheffield United as the away team. This win not only ended their
three-game win-less streak in all competitions but also provided a significant
morale boost for them. Currently, Aston Villa hold the fourth position in the
Premier League standings, with a record of 14 wins, four draws, and five
losses. Under the leadership of Unai Emery, Aston Villa have displayed
remarkable resilience throughout the season. They have exhibited strong
discipline both in attacking and defending. Notably, Aston Villa have shown
patience and methodical play when facing low-position defensive lines. They
effectively move the ball forward and seize the right moments to break through.
Aston Villa have also demonstrated their proficiency in counterattacking. They
often utilize the speed of Ollie Watkins to launch quick and potent
counterattacks, which has become their signature offensive strategy. Watkins
has performed exceptionally well for them, having scored 11 goals in the league
so far, placing him fifth in the Premier League’s top scorer list.
Chelsea
have encountered significant challenges recently, suffering a 1-4 defeat to
Liverpool and a 2-4 loss to Wolves. These two matches resulted in Chelsea
conceding a total of eight goals, highlighting weaknesses in both their
offensive and defensive performances. Their overall display has been lackluster
and sluggish. Currently, Chelsea sit in 11th place in the Premier League
standings, with only nine wins, four draws, and 10 losses. The primary figure
held responsible for Chelsea’s decline is Coach Mauricio Pochettino. Despite
being with the club for over half a season, Pochettino failed to establish a
clear tactical system, leading to a confusing playing style. Additionally,
Pochettino has displayed indifference towards their defensive and offensive
issues, even making derogatory remarks about his own players’ ability to take
free kicks. If Pochettino remains in charge, Chelsea may continue to struggle
and face further chaos in their upcoming games.
Aston
Villa have been in superior form compared to Chelsea, both in terms of overall
performance and recent results. Under the guidance of Emery, Aston Villa have
showcased a higher level of tactical proficiency compared to Pochettino’s
Chelsea. Additionally, Aston Villa have been exceptional in their home matches,
securing eight wins, one draw, and only one loss in their last 10 games. Even
Manchester City and Arsenal have to accept a failure here. With the advantage
of playing at home, Aston Villa are strongly favored to secure a comprehensive
victory over Chelsea.
Aston
Villa’s Last 5 Games: WLDDW
24-02-04
Sheffield United 0-5 Aston Villa
24-01-31
Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle United
24-01-27
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
24-01-14
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
24-01-07
Middlesbrough 0-1 Aston Villa
Chelsea’s
Last 5 Games: LLDWW
24-02-04
Chelsea 2-4 Wolves
24-02-01
Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea
24-01-27
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
24-01-24
Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
24-01-13
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
Head
To Head Record:
24-01-27
Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa
23-09-24
Chelsea 0-1 Aston Villa
23-04-02
Chelsea 0-2 Aston Villa
22-12-11
Chelsea 0-1 Aston Villa
22-10-16
Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea
Prediction: Aston Villa to win