Aston Villa have failed to score in four of their last eight Premier League games
Chelsea are winless on their last two trips to Villa Park
Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals
Aston Villa host Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday night and both teams will be eyeing a return to winning ways as the race to qualify for next season's Champions League heats up.
Villa were considered title contenders just a few weeks ago, but a run of two wins in eight league games, culminating in Friday's 2-0 loss at bottom of the table Wolves, means they now face a battle just to finish in the top five, which would likely be enough to secure a return to Europe's top table for next season.
Chelsea are currently outside the top five after following up disappointing home draws against Leeds and Burnley with Sunday's 2-1 loss at leaders Arsenal, a defeat that once again highlighted the Blues' ongoing disciplinary issues.
The latest Aston Villa vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Villa head coach Unai Emery has confirmed captain John McGinn is edging closer to a return from his knee injury, but this match will come too soon for the Scotland international.
Boubacar Kamara (knee), Youri Tielemans (ankle), Harvey Elliott (unspecified) and Andres Garcia (hamstring) also remain on the treatment table.
Chelsea can welcome Wesley Fofana back from suspension but will now have to make do without Pedro Neto after his sending off against Arsenal.
Marc Cucurella could be involved after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury, but the match will come too soon for Estevao, who is back on the grass after a similar issue.
Head coach Liam Rosenior also expects Cole Palmer to be absolutely fine for the trip to Villa Park despite picking up a knock late on at the Emirates.
The latest Aston Villa vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Aston Villa have won only one of their last four Premier League home matches, scoring just two goals across those games.
Each of Villa's last eight league fixtures have featured a maximum of two goals.
Having won 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in December's reverse fixture, Villa are looking to complete their first league double over Chelsea since the 1989-90 season.
Heading into the midweek action, only West Ham (20) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League this season than Chelsea (19).
The Blues have also picked up the most red cards in the division, with their tally of seven being three more than any other side.
Chelsea have only won two of their last eight meetings with Villa across all competitions.
The latest Aston Villa vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
This is a clash between two teams that are suffering a dip in form at the wrong stage of the season and a cagey battle could ensue at Villa Park.
Villa have won only two of their last eight league matches to be dragged back into the battle for the Champions League places and they have scored a meagre five goals over that period.
Emery's men drew a blank at bottom club Wolves on Friday night and they have also failed to score in recent home meetings with Everton and Brentford — losing both 1-0.
Chelsea are faring much better in the scoring stakes, but they have only netted three goals in three away games against the current top five this season and their recent record when taking on Villa makes them difficult to trust.
With plenty riding on this clash between two of the Champions League contenders, it could become a low-scoring battle decided by fine margins.
Back under 2.5 goals at 23/20 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Aston Villa vs Chelsea odds are available on LiveScore Bet
