where to watch, lineups and refereeing

As part of a match on the 18th day of the English Championship, Chelsea will host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, this Saturday 27/12, at 2:30 p.m. (Brasilia time). With 29 points, the current world champion occupies fourth place, but very far from the Top 3. Aston Villa is exactly third, with 36 points. A triumph for the Blues will therefore at least bring them closer to their rivals in Birmingham.

But anyone who thinks Chelsea, playing at home and being a powerhouse, are big favorites is wrong. After all, Aston Villa, in addition to third place in the standings, has ten consecutive victories, the longest streak in its history. There are eight wins in the Premier League and two in the Europa League (where they sit third). A victory would temporarily bring them to share the lead with Manchester City (39 points) and overtake Arsenal (37).

Where to watch

ESPN and Disney+ channels will broadcast the match from 2:30 p.m. (Brasilia time).

How Chelsea arrive

One of the differences in Chelsea’s roster is Recipe Jacques. He will start at right back instead of I like itwho returns to the reserve bench. With Cole Palmer fully recovered physically, the coach confirmed that the team’s main player will start as a starter. The idea is to enter an offensive formation, in 4-3-3. All that remains to be seen is whether Estêvão will start or whether Pedro Neto will leave.

How Aston Villa is coming

A sure casualty for Aston Villa is Harvey Elliott, who is recovering from injury and would not be able to play anyway as he is on loan from Chelsea, as there is a clause that prohibits him from facing the club he is still linked to. Another absence due to injury is Pau Torres. Already Hallerwho participates with the Ivory Coast team in the African Cup of Nations, is another absence. However, two very important players in the Unai Emery will be on the field: the midfielder McGinn and the scorer Watkins.

Chelsea v Aston Villa

Premier League matchday 18

Date and time: 12/27/2025, 2:30 p.m. (Brasilia time)

Location: Stamford Bridge, London (ENG)

CHELSEA: Robert Sanchez; Recipe Jacques, Cute, Chalobah And Cucurelle; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo and Cole Palmer; Pedro Neto (Estêvão), João Pedro and Grenache. Technical:Enzo Maresca

VILLA ASTON: Martinez; species, Consa, Lindelof And Maatsen; Kamara And Onana; McGinn, Tielemans and Rogers; Watkins. Technical: Unai Emery

Arbitrator:Anthony Taylor

Assistants:Gary Beswick and Marc Perry

VAR:Craig Taylor

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