Chelsea dropped points for the first time this season last weekend, though given that they still managed to draw against reigning champions Manchester City, they probably won't be too distraught. José Mourinho's side is now three points clear at the top, though they play one of the sides tied for second on Saturday.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
Premier League leaders Chelsea host a surprisingly in-form Aston Villa on Saturday.
Shaun Botterill
Aston Villa is the side making the trip south to Stamford Bridge, with Paul Lambert's team having defied all expectations of a messy relegation scrap with their first five matches. They lost to Arsenal 3-0 last weekend, but that came on the back of a shock win away at Liverpool, and victories over Stoke City and Hull City.
Granted, it’s nigh-on impossible to imagine Villa continuing in the same vein for too long, though while they’re so high on confidence, they may still feel they’re in with a chance of taking points from what looks to be the strongest side in the entire division -- if not Europe -- at present.
Key player - Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Diego Costa has started Premier League life with a bang, netting a quite unbelievable seven goals in his first five Premier League appearances. He’s a terrifying brute of a striker; capable of bullying defences with sheer force and slotting the ball home by similar means. At present, he’s making his £32 million price tag look a snip, and Aston Villa won’t be looking forward to trying to stop him.
Key matchup - Aston Villa's defence vs. regression to the mean
Diego Costa's direct opponents in this match will likely be Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos: two defenders who've been unusually solid and error-free so far this season. Though it is possible Baker has improved -- and indeed is still improving -- Senderos is about an average a journeyman defender you'll find in the Premier League, and it's unlikely his level of performance will stay so high throughout the entire season. If it's today he starts making the mistakes, he'll probably pay a heavy price.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Ramires (groin).
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Libor Kozák (broken leg), Christian Benteke (achilles). In doubt: Ron Vlaar (calf).
Chelsea's only injury doubt is rotation midfielder Ramires, who is still recovering from a slight groin problem. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will still be without the long-term injured strike duo of Libor Kozák and Christian Benteke, while star defender Ron Vlaar is doubtful with a calf problem.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time (U.S.), TSN2 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), TSN Go (Canada)
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