Aston Villa face a crucial test on Wednesday night following a disappointing performance and result against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Friday. Villa became only the second club to lose to Wolves in the Premier League this season, suffering a 2-0 defeat at Molineux with goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes in the second half.
Chelsea Clash Could Define Villa's Season
After Chelsea's loss at Arsenal, Villa remain six points ahead of the Blues. However, their advantage could shrink to three points or expand to nine depending on Wednesday's outcome. Villa will not play this weekend, returning to action against Lille in the Europa League next Thursday before travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
This match against Chelsea is hugely important, especially after a drop in form partly due to the absence of a key midfield trio. For some fans, it may feel more like a 'must not lose' encounter, even though Villa have a significant opportunity to distance themselves further from Chelsea. Recent form, however, does not favour Unai Emery's side.
Key Players and Historical Context
If Villa avoid defeat to Chelsea, they will need just one more point from matches against Manchester United and West Ham to guarantee remaining above Chelsea over the international break. After the break, Chelsea face both Manchester clubs at home, while Villa travel to Nottingham Forest before hosting Sunderland.
The good news for Villa is that this Chelsea match could be the last without captain John McGinn, while Youri Tielemans is set to return after the March break. Following their 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, Villa are looking to complete a league double over Chelsea for the first time since the 1989-90 campaign. They are also aiming for three consecutive league wins against the Blues for the first time since a run of four between 1978 and 1984.
Emery Remains Positive Despite Recent Struggles
Comparisons can be drawn between Villa's recent form and their first five matches of the season. Although they have managed to score goals, only one has come from open play in six matches, with just one victory in that period thanks to a late Jack Hinshelwood own goal against Brighton.
Worryingly, Villa scored just two goals from 76 shots (a 2.6% conversion rate) and 6.0 expected goals in their last four league matches at Villa Park. Emery, speaking after the defeat to Wolves, insisted he does not believe Villa are in as bad a place as they were at the start of the campaign.
"We need to try to be positive and try to go forward," he said. "Everything we did before today is now done, but still we have an advantage in the table. Of course, the power of the teams behind us is massive. I am excited and motivated to keep the position we are in. We are losing some opportunities, but we are still being in there [top five]."
Elliott Situation and Pre-Season Plans
Harvey Elliott will not be influencing Villa's league form any time soon, as it was explained last month that he can only feature in European games without triggering the appearance-based obligation-to-buy clause. Liverpool are unlikely to allow him to play for Villa in the league, even with the obligation removed, as it could affect their own chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Villa's former CEO, Christian Purslow, commented on this situation, noting that Liverpool's stance is driven by the high stakes of Champions League qualification revenue. However, there is a chance Elliott could play in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, pre-season plans are being drawn up. According to reports, Villa could travel to Hong Kong in August for an exhibition match against a Bundesliga team, with Bayern Munich mentioned as a possible opponent. If Villa make the trip, it would mark their first appearance in Hong Kong in 15 years. In recent seasons, Villa have spent their summers in the USA and also headed to the Middle East for warm-weather training camps during the winter.
