Overview
- Kickoff is 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, December 27 at Stamford Bridge, with live UK coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
- Aston Villa arrive on a 10-game winning streak in all competitions, seven in the league, which has lifted them to within three points of the summit.
- Chelsea enter Matchday 18 with inconsistent form, having recorded two wins in their last seven outings across competitions.
- Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer is ready for 90 minutes with Estevão and Liam Delap available, while Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain long-term absentees.
- Villa are without centre-backs Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, Ross Barkley is unavailable, and Evann Guessand is at AFCON; Sky Bet prices list Chelsea 5-6, Villa 3-1 and the draw 11-4, with previews predicting goals for both sides.