The Blues face a tough test against an in-form Villa side who have emerged as unlikely title challengers after seven straight Premier League wins before Christmas.
Villa started the weekend just three points behind leaders Arsenal, while Chelsea are seven points behind Unai Emery’s side.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Aston Villa is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick-off on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Aston Villa
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 5pm ahead of the 5.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith at the ground.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.25pm.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa team news
The two summer signings have been sidelined in recent weeks but Maresca revealed in his pre-match press conference that both would be back.
Otherwise, it is a case of the longer-term absentees continuing their rehabilitation: Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo.
As for Villa, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley is out until February, while centre-backs Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are sidelined.
There could be returns for Jadon Sancho – who was ineligible to face parent club Manchester United before Christmas – and fellow loanee Harvey Elliott after illness.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa prediction
Villa are tricky customers, as is demonstrated by their league position.
They were not great against United at all, and were bailed out by the brilliance of Rogers.
There is sure to be a marked improvement from Unai Emery’s side this time, however, and Chelsea must be ready for it.
The Blues themselves were not good in the first half at St James’ Park last weekend, but improved and showed fight to earn a big point.
They will need more of that grit here to claim all three.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea vs Aston Villa match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
