Aston 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 Chelsea
CLOSE! A good effort from Fernandez.
Nkunku wins the ball off Cash near the Villa box and it’s played to Fernandez, who opens his body up and curls an effort onto the top of the net!
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:57
Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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 Chelsea
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!
Chris Wilson22 February 2025 17:41