Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Chelsea welcome Aston Villa to Kingsmeadow on Sunday lunchtime, with the Blues desperate to reignite their pursuit of a top-three finish.

Sonia Bompastor’s side has endured a challenging week following a 1–1 draw with London City Lionesses and a 3–1 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League. The Blues currently sit third, just two points clear of the Gunners, who have games in hand.

Bompastor has labelled their remaining four fixtures as “must-win” games to ensure European qualification. Notably, Chelsea boast a perfect historical record against the visitors, having won all 11 previous WSL encounters with an aggregate score of 28–2.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, arrive in London with renewed confidence after a vital 2–1 victory over Leicester City last weekend. Natalia Arroyo’s team showed immense character to record their first away win since November after trailing at half-time. This result snapped a poor run and moved the Villans into eighth place.

While Villa have never beaten Chelsea in the top flight, they pushed the Blues close in a 3–1 loss earlier this season. Significantly, they will look to replicate last season’s strong finish, where they won their final five league matches.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Match preview and team news

Team news

Chelsea

Sonia Bompastor has received a major double boost for the run-in. Notably, Australian duo Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter are back from Asian Cup duty and available for selection. Consequently, Kerr could make her first start since February to spearhead the attack. However, Aggie Beever-Jones is a major doubt, while the Blues continue to manage a long-term injury list.

Aston Villa

Natalia Arroyo remains without several key first-team players. Notably, Rachel Daly, Gabi Nunes, and Paula Tomas are all ruled out with injuries. Missy Bo Kearns is also unavailable following the recent news of her pregnancy. Notably, Japanese international Maya Hijikata is set to return to the matchday squad after her successful Asian Cup campaign.

Form

Chelsea

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four WSL matches, but a recent dip in performance has seen them fall eight points behind leaders Manchester City. Their home form remains a sanctuary; the Blues are looking to record their fourth consecutive home victory this Sunday. Significantly, they have scored at least one goal in every league meeting against Villa since their promotion.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa have steadied the ship recently, taking four points from their last two matches, including a 0-0 draw with title-chasers Manchester City. This follows a humbling 7–3 defeat to Tottenham, which left the side in a difficult position. Notably, the Villans have struggled defensively against elite opposition, conceding 28 times in their history against the Blues.

Predicted lineups

Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hampton; Carpenter, Girma, Buurman, Baltimore; Rytting Kaneryd, Potter, Kaptein, Nusken, Thompson; Kerr

Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roebuck; Wilms, Patten, Parker, Nighswonger; Jean-Francois, Taylor; Grant, Kendall, Maritz; Hanson

How to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa?

The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports and the Sky Go app. Coverage begins ahead of the midday kick-off.

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