Game Week 20 Predictions: Chelsea and Villa to share points at Villa Park

Premier League preview: Aston Villa vs Chelsea at Villa Park – both chase top-5/CL spot, Villa post-Wolves shock, Chelsea after Arsenal loss; BTTS

Aston Villa and Chelsea know that it's important to pick up wins in their top-five pursuit. Which of them will come out tops? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Villa Park

8:30pm

Liverpool’s failure to earn any points at the Molineux Stadium on Tuesday night has opened doors to Aston Villa to steer clear of the reigning champions, while Chelsea will go level on points with Arne Slot’s men if they beat Villa.

The real struggle is to finish within the top five this season, as the strong participation of English teams at this season’s Champions League suggests that fifth place will be enough to feature in the elite competition next season. Everyone must get cracking as we approach the run-in.

Aston Villa lost to Wolves at the weekend in a shocking manner. No one expected the bottom club to earn anything at Villa Park, but Unai Emery’s side managed to drop all points. Villa is struggling in front of goal and also failing to shut opponents out.

Chelsea went to the Emirates with lots of anger but returned empty-handed. It was a poor performance from the Blues, who have now lost all three games they have played against the Gunners since the arrival of Liam Rosenior. You can’t make this up.

The duo of Villa and Chelsea are chasing the same thing. The hosts could well qualify for the Champions League as winners of the Europa League, while Chelsea knows that the only measure of success for their season is a Champions League place finish.

Villa’s main men have failed to fire in the past few games. Morgan Rodgers hasn’t been the same, and Ollie Watkins doesn’t know where the goal is anymore. Injuries haven’t helped with John McGinn and Kamara both out injured. Villa must step up.

It could get worse for Villa when European football resumes next week. They will have to play on Thursday and then play at the weekend again. With their players falling like flies, will they have enough to finish in the top five at the end of May?

Chelsea must get Cole Palmer up to speed. The midfielder has lost steam. He looked a shadow of himself on the left against Arsenal. Does he move back to the middle, behind Joao Pedro, where he’s more effective? Will Joao Pedro return to scoring ways at Villa?

Aston Villa will hope to exploit Chelsea’s inconsistent defence, but the Blues will welcome back Wesley Fofana, who missed the trip to the Emirates due to suspension. Whoever Chelsea chooses to replace Pedro Neto will have a filled day on the right. Villa must get a grip.

Verdict: Both teams to score.