Chelsea head to Aston Villa this evening knowing they cannot afford to concede any further ground in the Premier League title race.
Thomas Tuchel’s depleted squad endured frustrating back-to-back draws against Everton and Wolves and now find themselves six points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Taking all three points against Villa will be no easy task, though, with the club transformed since Steven Gerrard’s arrival.
Villa have won four of their six league games since Gerrard’s took the reins, with their only defeats coming against City and Liverpool. Here is everything you need to know:
When is it and what time is kick-off?
The match will get underway at 5.30pm on Sunday 26 December at Villa Park.
How can I watch it online and on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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Confirmed line-ups
Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Sanson, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia, Ings, Watkins
Chelsea XI: Mendy, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi
Odds:
Aston Villa - 9/2
Draw - 13/5
Chelsea - 4/6
Prediction
Chelsea will be desperate to halt their slide, but Aston Villa have been terrific under Gerrard and won’t be beaten easily. Despite their struggles up front, Chelsea should eventually crack Villa’s resistance and prevail though in a hard-fought contest. Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea.
