class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having looked less stable at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole thinks the Blues will have to fight hard for victory against Smith's confident team<\/p>\n
<\/head><\/p>\nChelsea will be aiming to secure their place in the Premier League\u2019s top four when they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Thomas Tuchel\u2019s men are a point ahead of both Liverpool and Leicester in third place, meaning anything less than victory could see them drop out of the Champions League places on the final day.<\/p>\n
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Latest Odds<\/p>\n
Having won seven and lost none of the last eight games against this opposition, they are 9\/20 (1.45) favourites with bet365 to make sure of third place by coming out on top here.<\/p>\n
The Villans can finish no higher or lower than 11th place but are available at 11\/2 (6.50) to give their returning fans a memorable send off to a successful season by pulling off a shock win.<\/p>\n
These sides shared a 1-1 draw in December\u2019s reverse encounter at Stamford Bridge, and you can get odds of 15\/4 (4.75) on them cancelling each other out once again.<\/p>\n
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Team News<\/p>\n
Matthew Cash, Morgan Sanson and Trezeguet are all ruled out due to injury, while Ross Barkley is ineligible to face his parent club.<\/p>\n
N\u2019Golo Kante is a doubt after being forced off in Tuesday\u2019s win over Leicester with a minor injury, although Kai Havertz should return from the hamstring injury that he picked up in last weekend\u2019s FA Cup final defeat.<\/p>\n
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Preview<\/p>\n
Having scuppered Tottenham\u2019s European qualification bid with a 2-1 away win in midweek, Dean Smith\u2019s team will be looking to do the same against a team that must have one eye on their upcoming Champions League final.<\/p>\n
Boosted by the return of fans to the stadium and Jack Grealish\u2019s comeback from a long injury, they will go into this clash in high spirits and optimistic of getting on target for the ninth match in 10.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the Blues\u2019 previously watertight defence has now gone four matches without a clean sheet, having kept 18 in the previous 24 fixtures in all competitions.<\/p>\n
Aston Villa vs Chelsea Tips and Predictions<\/p>\n
Although likely to prove too strong as they push for a crucial three points, odds of 8\/5 (2.60) seem generous on Chelsea coming out on top despite seeing goals at both ends for Villa\u2019s ninth match in 10.<\/p>\n