On Sunday, Chelsea (11 wins, 2 losses, 5 draws) travels to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa (7-9-1). Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Chelsea vs. Aston Villa odds and lines, and make our best EPL bets, picks and predictions.
Chelsea will need this win to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool as they’ve fallen behind the league leaders.
Chelsea has been so dominant this season behind a mere 12 goals conceded across 18 matches while scoring 39 of its own. Midfielders Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz are doubtful for the away side, although it seems like Lukaku may be the more likely of the two to see time.
Aston Villa sits just inside the top half of the table despite a negative goal differential. Villa has struggled for victory and managed only one draw behind just 23 goals for across 18 matches. D Ashley Young is doubtful but may suit up and star M Leon Bailey has been declared out.
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 9:36 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Chelsea -133 (bet $133 to win $100) | Aston Villa +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Draw +260
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +112 | U: -140)
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Prediction
Aston Villa 1, Chelsea 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to the DRAW (+260).
Lukaku is arguably the best nine in the world but may not have full match fitness after missing time — if he plays at all. M Timo Werner‘s is out. Those are a couple of key attackers for Chelsea. The energy should favor Villa in its home grounds.
Chelsea is undefeated in nine of its last 10 matches against Villa, so I wouldn’t quite bank on an upset either. However, Villa’s strength is in its attack. 25-year-old F Ollie Watkins should be available and press that quality Chelsea backline.
A draw here, for this value, feels like a good wager.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-140) as Chelsea’s backline is healthy and just that good.
Chelsea has given up the second-fewest goals in the EPL this season behind only Manchester City. Jorginho, who typically anchors the backend of the team’s midfield, should be available, along with veteran D Thiago Silva.
Combine the expertise of those two with the weakened Chelsea attack, and it feels like a game that should see few goals. Chelsea’s last two EPL matches have combined for just two goals.
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