This Saturday evening at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea face an Aston Villa side who are firing on all cylinders - winning their last 10 games in a row. They're on a fierce run of form and are even being mentioned in title discussions. Chelsea, have had a turbulent time of things recently, which has left them 7 points off the away side. Are Villa title challengers?
Chelsea have demonstrated their excess quality but also their naivety with emotions so far in the Premier League, in the form of red cards - which have shaped inconsistent results. Enzo Maresca continues to display his rightful longevity as the Chelsea coach, despite being cryptically expressive recently about aspects of the club's hierarchy. They thumped Barcelona but fell short vs Sunderland. They were a part of Liverpool's endless misery but picked up one point from Leeds, Bournemouth and Atalanta. It''s been a good, not great season.
Being without Cole Palmer has unquestionably taken effect. Rejuvenating their offensive options so frequently also hasn't helped for a smooth transition into the new campaign. They've also struggled defensively, with Levi Colwill's ACL injury. But two of the highlights for The Blues has been the resurgence of Reece James and the emergence of Estêvão.
Reece has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, to no one's surprise. The issue has always been fitness, but this year that's disappeared. But what's even more impressive is his seamless midfield adaption. He was sublime vs Arsenal and Newcastle and has undoubtedly been Chelsea's POTS (player of the season) .
Estêvão comparatively is the new kid on the block. The 18-year-old wonderkid has set Europe alight, with his near post thunderbolt vs Barcelona at the bridge. It's early days in this young prodigies career but he's already demonstrated what he is in the present.
The Villains have flown. They went from despair to jubilation. From zero goals in their first five to wonder goal after wonder goal. Ten wins in a row is some feat and especially when that is against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United (whom Emery has rarely beaten). Most significantly, this has happened in a time when the league is struggling to breathe.
Morgan Rogers, what else needs to be said. Fresh off the back of two stunners vs the Red Devils, the Englishman will want to continue his absurd start to the season and to show that to Cole in his backyard, it's his celebration (joking, well). A theme of Villa is their midfield. It's physical, technical and breathless to play against. Alongside immense ball striking, the in-form team thrive with second balls and that midfield is perfectly suited for the task.
Imagine telling Villa fans after a few games, they'd find themselves three points adrift of 1st, heading into Christmas!
This fixture is one Chelsea have the better of their midlands counterparts historically. Chelsea have won 32 out of 66, with 15 Villa wins and 15 draws. 2023 was the last time Villa came to West London and won, whilst Chelsea came out 3-0 winners last time out. The past six games between the two teams have an identical two wins, two draws and two losses each split. So, this one couldn't be more in the balance.
Chelsea have an aggressive approach in the big games. They look to press high, go man for man and you'd anticipate the same on Saturday. Their counterparts, are very different. Emery's side don't tend to press very high but more zonally mark. They jump once their opponent gets to the second phase, which affords time for build-up.
Chelsea have scored goals from their high press. Villa have conceded from playing out. It wouldn't be overly surprising if this was a significant element of the early stages of the game. Man United got a lot of joy from packing the midfield at Villa Park. Therefore, the midfield battle will likely decide the game. Villa thrive off winning second balls. Can they repeat this feat against Caicedo and Reece James? Can Villa create that left hand side dynamic with Rogers inverting, which has been so influential this season?
All will be revealed on Saturday...
