Chelsea v Aston Villa Tip

An Aston Villa victory may seem unlikely on Sunday, but in reality it’s nothing like the 9/1 shot offered by BetVictor and therefore we should pick up the value. Indeed, the unlikely did happen last December when Alex McLeish masterminded a 3-1 success for the Villains at Stamford Bridge. With Paul Lambert now at the helm, things are generally looking brighter than 12 months ago so why not?

It isn’t just recent history which suggests that best odds of 4/11(PaddyPower) on a home win are far too skimpy. The form guide will do little to alleviate the fears of Chelsea fans who are quick to criticise the Rafa Benitez regime. The Blues haven’t won any of their last four league games at Stamford Bridge, their worst run since 2002. They haven’t even scored a top flight goal on their own patch since 11 November.

Villa will fancy their chances if Christian Benteke continues his explosive form, particularly with the extended absence of John Terry. The Belgian striker has found the net four times in his last five appearances in all competitions, including a virtuoso display in the 3-1 victory at Anfield last weekend. That made it six fixtures unbeaten for the west Midlanders who will now travel with genuine hope for this one.