Aston Villa vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 07/02/2024, 08:49  by Ian John | Modified on 07/02/2024 at 08:52 in FA Cup Prediction

Aston Villa and Chelsea could not have more contrasting form heading into Wednesday night's FA Cup Fourth Round Replay at Villa Park. The home side bounced back from a surprise home defeat to Newcastle by thrashing Sheffield United 5-0 on the road at the weekend, with five different players on the scoresheet and all goals scored by the 47th minute mark of the game. It was a much-needed return to form for the Villains after a lackluster run of results in the league, all of which stemmed from their 3-2 loss at Manchester United on Boxing Day. It was also a welcome return to goalscoring form for the team as they had recorded just two goals in their previous four games, with two 0-0 draws in amongst their previous four matches ahead of the thrashing of the Blades at the weekend. 

In sharp contrast, Chelsea come into this game on the back of two poor performances and heavy defeats in the Premier League. The Carabao Cup Finalists were held by Villa after their big 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the semi-final 2nd leg of that competition but have since lost 4-1 to Liverpool (who they will play in the Carabao Cup Final) and then a 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves followed at the weekend. With the cups offering Chelsea their only realistic chance of a successful season, the pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino and his expensively assembled squad to stay in this competition and I think that is going to lead to an open game as I cannot see Chelsea being able to keep Villa out, and similarly, Villa have looked susceptible to conceding goals on the counter attack this season. The winner of this tie will have a home tie in the fifth round to look forward to, against the winner of the Leeds United v Plymouth Argyle replay on Tuesday night.