SportFootballVilla look to move within a point of the Blues as both sides hunt Champions League qualification
Team are upset at the moment by form – MarescaAston Villa take on Chelsea in the Premier League in today’s late kick-off, with both sides looking to consolidate their bids for European football next season.
Villa’s midweek draw with Liverpool means that they entered the weekend in ninth, but only five points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
And they face a Chelsea side who have stuttered in recent weeks to fall from second to sixth.
The Blues still have the advantage in the race for the top four – as they sit just a point below City – but the lead over Villa could be cut to just a point if they were to lose, with Enzo Maresca’s side in danger of falling out of the race on current form.
Follow all the updates from Villa Park here:
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea25 mins
Villa win a free-kick in a dangerous area after Caicedo clips Rogers.
It’ll be Asensio to swing it in – but someone is offside and the chance goes begging.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:56
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea22 mins
Another chance for Watkins, as Villa work it from the left before it comes to the striker near the centre of the box, but Cucurella blocks his shot brilliantly.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:53
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea20 mins
Another chance, but this time it’s Villa’s first of the match as the ball is swept forward before it’s laid off to Watkins in the box. The angle is tight and his low strike forces a save from Jorgensen at the near post.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:52
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea17 mins
Another chance for Chelsea as Palmer swings in a great diagonal cross that Nkunku nods on, but Fernandez can’t get a touch on it at the back post.
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea14 mins
Plenty of frustration among the home crowd, as their side really haven’t got going yet.
They have enjoyed a little more sustained possession over the last few minutes though.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:47
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea12 mins
Despite Sky’s team graphic, it looks like Reece James is actually playing in defensive midfield, with Palmer on the right and Enzo Fernandez playing in attacking midfield behind Nkunku. That decision has certainly paid off early on for Maresca.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:43
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea11 mins
Another chance for Chelsea is ended after a brilliant last-second intervention from Mings, who pokes the ball away from Nkunku as he was about to shoot.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:43
GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea9 mins
It’s been all Chelsea and they have their early reward!
Neto picks the ball up near halfway and he surges into the box, beating Maatsen before firing in a ball across goal that gives Enzo Fernandez an easy tap-in into an open net!
(Getty Images)Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:41
Aston Villa 0-0 Chelsea7 mins
Chalobah is down briefly as he receives treatment. He’ll be unable to carry on, and he’s replaced by Tosin.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:39
Aston Villa 0-0 Chelsea5 mins
It’s been all Chelsea so far, with the visitors almost working another shooting chance in the Villa box.
A positive start from Enzo Maresca’s side.
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:37
