Aston Villa

After their unexpected defeat against Premier League bottom side Wolves, Aston Villa are out of the title race. Now the goal for Unai Emery's side is clear: to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Given that it is almost certain that the fifth-placed team will play in Europe's top competition, this match is very important.

The Villa Park side, currently fourth, are six points ahead of Chelsea, who are sixth. So, if they manage to keep the three points in Birmingham, they will have taken a giant step towards achieving their goal. To do so, the Basque coach must restore the team's solidity and get the best out of key players such as Watkins.

Injured Aston Villa players for Premier League matchday 29

Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans

Aston Villa players suspended for Premier League matchday 29

Aston Villa has no players suspended for this match.

Aston Villa's latest results

• Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa
• Aston Villa 1-0 Brighton
• Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle
• Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds United
• Wolves 2-0 Aston Villa

Chelsea

Chelsea, meanwhile, face their trip to Birmingham with a sense of urgency. The arrival of Liam Rosenior brought about a reaction in the team's play and results, but in recent weeks the London side have failed to get positive results. In addition, their most influential player, Col Palmer, is not at his best due to a lack of regularity due to injuries.

The Blues are currently outside the Champions League places. Furthermore, Aston Villa are direct rivals, so they must react and translate the improvement in their play against Arsenal into results. To do so, it will be crucial for them to be solid in defence from set pieces, as they conceded both goals at the Emirates Stadium from two corner kicks.

Injured Chelsea players for Premier League matchday 29

Colwill, Gittens, Cucurella and Estevao

Suspended Chelsea players for Premier League matchday 29

Pedro Neto

Chelsea's latest results

• Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
• Chelsea 2-2 Leeds United
• Hull City 0-4 Chelsea
• Chelsea 1-1 Burnley
• Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Aston Villa - Chelsea: statistics

Aston Villa are going through their worst spell of the season with two defeats and a draw in their last three games, which have seen them knocked out of the FA Cup and out of the race for the Premier League title. But Chelsea also have their doubts, having picked up just one point from their last six games, which has left them three points adrift of fifth place and a Champions League spot.

Aston Villa - Chelsea: predictions

The match is extremely important for both sides. The gap between them is six points, so Aston Villa know that if they win, they will have one foot in next season's Champions League. Chelsea, meanwhile, are aware that they need to react and that a defeat could be fatal. Neither side is in good form, and a cautious and evenly matched encounter is expected. A draw is very likely.