You can never quite tell what you're going to get with Aston Villa, with Paul Lambert's inconsistent outfit currently down in 11th place in the Premier League table. The Villans have been as frustrating as ever so far this season; struggling for victories after a promising start. They've won only three times since the start of the year, though head into this match at home to the league leaders on the back of a 4-1 thrashing of Norwich City.
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: Preview and TV schedule
An inconsistent Aston Villa welcome Chelsea to Villa Park in Saturday’s late Premier League kickoff.
Scott Heavey
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That should give them a confidence boost, though it’s unlikely to be of much use. José Mourinho’s side have hit their stride at the perfect moment, speeding seven points clear at the top of the table.They did throw away points the last time they travelled to the Midlands, drawing 1-1 with West Brom last month, but odds on the Blues slipping up again are slim.
They will, however, be without defensive duo Ashley Cole and David Luiz, while young midfielder Marco van Ginkel is still also sidelined. Villa will be without Jores Okoré, Libor Kozák and Charles N'Zogbia through injury, while Ryan Bertrand is ineligible against his parent club.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Jores Okoré (knee), Libor Kozák (broken leg), Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles), Ryan Bertrand (ineligible), Chris Herd (personal reasons). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee), Ashley Cole (knee), David Luiz (groin). In doubt: None.
Projected lineups
Aston Villa: Brad Guzan; Antonio Luna, Ron Vlaar, Nathan Baker, Leandro Bacuna; Ashley Westwood, Fabian Delph, Karim El Ahmadi; Andreas Weimann, Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Chelsea: Petr Čech; Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović; Nemanja Matić, Frank Lampard; Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Samuel Eto'o.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 1:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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