Villanous Exploits

Aston Villa are officially in nosebleed territory. With 13 games remaining in the Premier League season, they sit eight points back of leaders Manchester United in third place. Pending results elsewhere over the weekend, they could be level second - on points, at least - by the end of matchday 26.

Red Devils aside, the Villans are the form team in England's top flight. Their last league outing culminated in a 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers, thus stretching their unbeaten run to 13 games. In fact, the Midlanders and United both suffered their last defeat on the same weekend, way back in early November.

So it is with great confidence that Martin O'Neill and his troops approach this Saturday's fixture, even after their stumbles in cup play over the last week. A win here would make them red-hot favourites to claim a Champions League spot, and they will be further buoyed by their opponents' indifferent record at Villa Park.

Guus' Blues

Chelsea, believe it or not, have failed to claim victory on any of their last nine trips to the claret-and-blue sector of the West Midlands. Not even under Jose Mourinho could they best a Villa side defending their own patch, and that psychological factor could prove vital in this top-four blockbuster.

The Blues sit two points behind their hosts, having been leapfrogged after drawing 0-0 with Hull City at home two weeks ago. That was Luiz Felipe Scolari's last game in charge at Stamford Bridge, and this will be Guus Hiddink's first as interim boss.

The Dutch trainer will be hard-pressed to unify the divisions that sprung up under Scolari in time for this weekend's clash, having only officially taken office a few days ago. The initial response from the playing group has been very positive, though, and the Blues could benefit from a bout of 'new manager syndrome'.


FORM GUIDE

Aston Villa

Feb 18  Aston Villa 1-1 CSKA Moscow  (UEFA Cup)
Feb 15  Everton 3-1 Aston Villa  (FA Cup)
Feb 07  Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Aston Villa  (Premier League)
Feb 04  Aston Villa 3-1 Doncaster Rovers  (FA Cup)
Jan 31  Aston Villa 0-0 Wigan Athletic  (Premier League)

Chelsea

Feb 14  Watford 1-3 Chelsea  (FA Cup)
Feb 07  Chelsea 0-0 Hull City  (Premier League)
Feb 01  Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea  (Premier League)
Jan 28  Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough  (Premier League)
Jan 24  Chelsea 3-1 Ipswich Town  (FA Cup)


TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Steve Sidwell was suspended from midweek UEFA Cup action, but he will return to the squad for Saturday and could feature against his former club.

Emile Heskey (Achilles) and Jamer Milner (thigh) also sat out the 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow, but they too are potential inclusions.

Carlos Cuellar, Wilfred Bouma and Nigel Reo-Coker will all remain sidelined, as will Martin Laursen, meaning Gareth Barry will continue to skipper the side.

Possible Starting XI: Friedel - L Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey - Milner, Petrov, Barry, A Young - Carew, Agbonlahor

Chelsea

Hiddink has some selection worries on his Blues bow, especially in defence. Ricardo Carvalho and Alex have both been struggling with injury, so Michael Mancienne is expected to make his Premier League debut. Paulo Ferreira will replace the suspended Ashley Cole at left-back.

Joe Cole and Michael Essien are out with knee problems. The former will miss the remainder of the season, while the latter is at least a month away from a return.

Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are expected to partner each other in attack, having played a full practice match side-by-side during the week, in which Deco also featured extensively.

Possible Starting XI: Cech - Bosingwa, Terry, Mancienne, Ferreira - Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Deco - Drogba, Anelka


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa

When this mob play, it is impossible not to mention Ashley Young. The young Englishman has been in irresistible form this campaign, wreaking havoc whether on the left, the right or behind the strikers. His free-kicks and corners could cause serious problems against a team whose set-piece defending has been questionable of late.

Chelsea

After falling out of favour under Scolari, Didier Drogba is ready to re-establish himself in the Pensioners' starting XI. The Ivorian striker has been talking up the potential of his pairing with Anelka, so now it is time to deliver the goods.


PREDICTION

Remarkably, you would have to call Chelsea the underdogs. Thus, even though it will be interesting to see how Villa conduct themselves in such a crucial clash, it would be a little surprising if they didn't managed a point at least.