Saturday 31st December 2011, 15.00
With the Blues 11 points behind the two Manchester clubs Andre Villas-Boas’ first priority but now be to ensure the club makes it into next season’s Champions League.
The last match of the year sees the team host Alex Mcleish’s Aston Villa, the Blues will be without Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel who are both injured but John Terry and Jose Bosingwa are both fit and available.
The away side are hoping to welcome back Darren Bent who has missed the last three games through injury but strike partner Emile Heskey is injured.
History
The Blues have a good record against Aston Villa at Stamford bridge, the away team last won their back in May 2002.
Frank Lampard loves playing against Villa, he has scored an impressive five times in the last two home games against them.
Chelsea will want to see a display like the one in March 2010 when they ran out 7-1 winners, Lamps scored four, Malouda grabbed a brace and Kalou got the other one.
Betting
Chelsea’s number eight is 5s to score first whilst Daniel Sturridge and Didier Drogba are 3.5s with Fernando Torres rated at 4s.
Aston Villa are a massive 12-1 to win, whilst they are going through a bad period it’s not like the Blues are on fire so this could interest gamblers.
Traditionally this fixture often has plenty of goals, for over 3.5 goals you can get 11/8 and for the more conservative amongst you why not opt for over 2.5 goals at 8/13.
By Scott Balaam
@AStamBridge2Far
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