Evening Standard
·27 April 2024
Evening Standard
·27 April 2024
Chelsea head to Villa Park this evening in desperate need of a boost after a humbling and humiliating 5-0 loss to Arsenal in midweek. It was a result, and performance, to bring the Blues back down to earth after an eight-game unbeaten streak had lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino has since been dealt with fresh injuries, including to the likes of Raheem Sterling, while Malo Gusto is still sidelined, but talisman Cole Palmer is back after an illness ruled him out of the Emirates Stadium thrashing. Chelsea cannot afford another defeat as they look to qualify for Europe next season.
Villa, meanwhile, can all but secure a top-four finish, and Champions League football, with a victory tonight. Another three points would open up a nine-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham, albeit having played three more games. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at Villa Park.