Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions face Villa Park showdown | OneFootball

Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish in the Premier League faces a stiff test at Aston Villa this weekend.

After a miserable run of form, Enzo Maresca’s side must rediscover their spark at Villa Park or risk falling further behind in the Champions League race.

A run of three wins in 10 matches has left Chelsea in sixth position, one point adrift of fourth place.

In their most recent defeat – an abject 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion – they failed to register a single shot on target, a damning indictment of their attacking struggles.

Maresca did not hold back in his assessment, calling it ‘the worst’ performance under his tenure.

He admitted the injury crisis has been a major factor in their dip in form, with key players such as Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Noni Madueke still sidelined.

Villa will not make things easy. Unai Emery’s side have won just one of their last seven league matches but remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Their 2-2 draw against Liverpool in midweek highlighted both their attacking threat and defensive vulnerabilities.

Villa’s home form is formidable. They have lost just once in their last 22 Premier League matches at Villa Park, although they have drawn seven home games this season.Chelsea have historically enjoyed their trips to Birmingham, winning 13 Premier League matches at Villa Park, their joint-third-best away record in the competition.

Maresca acknowledged the challenge ahead, praising Emery’s work at Villa.

“They are fighting to finish top four,” he said. “They know clearly the way they want to play, and the manager is probably one of the best in the league.”

Chelsea’s away form has been woeful. They have failed to win any of their last six matches on the road in all competitions and have scored just twice in their last five league away games.

Christopher Nkunku’s return from injury offers some hope, but Chelsea are struggling for consistency.

Victory at Villa Park would not only reignite their top-four hopes but also restore some much-needed confidence.