Steven Gerrard has won four out of six since taking the reins at Aston Villa and his rejuvenated side will guarantee a stern examination of Chelsea’s wobbly form. Thomas Tuchel knows all about the new manager bounce – delivering a Champions League within months of his appointment is hard to beat there – but the magic has faded. The N’Golo Kanté-shaped hole in Chelsea’s midfield looks set to be filled, though: he came off the bench in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Brentford, so Kanté v John McGinn could be a key battle. Tuchel knows keeping the France international fit is crucial if Chelsea are to maintain a credible Premier League challenge. Luke McLaughlin
Boxing Day 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Villa 2 Chelsea 1
Odds H 9-2 A 4-6 D 5-2
Referee Martin Atkinson
This season G11 Y27 R2 2.82 cards/game
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Steer, Sinisalo, Tuanzebe, Davis, El Ghazi, Sanson, Trézéguet, Ings, Hause, Philogene-Bidace, Carney Chukwuemeka, Archer
Doubtful Davis (unknown), El Ghazi (unknown), Sanson (unknown)
Injured Nakamba (knee, Mar), Bailey (thigh, unknown), Traoré (thigh, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WWLWLW
Discipline Y35 R1
Leading scorer Watkins 4
CHELSEA
Subs from Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Christensen, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi, Loftus-Cheek, Lukaku, Werner, Ziyech, Saúl, Barkley, Sarr, Baker
Doubtful Christensen (knock), Havertz (Covid), Hudson-Odoi (Covid), Loftus-Cheek (ankle), Lukaku (Covid), Werner (Covid), Ziyech (calf)
Injured Chilwell (knee, 15 Jan)
Suspended None
Form DWLWDD
Discipline Y29 R1
Leading scorer Mount 7
