Chelsea start their Carabao Cup campaign with a home tie against Aston Villa tonight as they chase more silverware under Thomas Tuchel.
The two sides met in the Premier League earlier this month, with summer signing Romelu Lukaku putting in a masterful display as the Blues ran out 3-0 winners at the end of a game that was far more even than the scoreline suggests.
Lukaku’s arrival has only elevated expectation at Stamford Bridge and Tuchel’s side have carried their momentum from the Champions League victory at the end of last season into the new campaign.
Villa, meanwhile, have taken time to click into gear after some significant turnover in their squad following the sale of Jack Grealish but blitzed Everton with three second-half goals in an impressive display on Saturday.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Aston Villa is scheduled for a 7:45pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa
The match will not be televised live in the UK.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa team news and lineups
Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Chalobah, Sarr, Hudson-Odoi, Saul, Kante, Chilwell, Loftus-Cheek, Ziyech, Werner
Subs: Bettinelli, Mbuyamba, Thiago Silva, Barkley, Havertz, Mount, Lukaku
Aston Villa XI: Steer, Cash, Tuanzebe, Hause, Young, Sanson, Nakamba, Traore, Buendia, El Ghazi, Archer
Subs: Sinisalo, Konsa, Bogarde, Carney, A Ramsey, Philogene-Bidace, Caleb
Chelsea vs Aston Villa prediction
Thomas Tuchel could well make 11 changes to his side and still boast a frighteningly good XI, meaning Villa face a daunting task regardless of how highly the German values this competition.
Chelsea to win 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
- Chelsea wins: 65
- Draws: 35
- Aston Villa: 58
Betting odds and tips
- Chelsea to win: 2/5
- Draw: 18/5
- Aston Villa to win: 13/2
