As the calendar turned to 2024, it felt as if Mauricio Pochettino was finally starting to exert his influence on the young, patchwork Chelsea squad. While the results remained spotty, the Blues seemed to be putting in performances that belied Pochettino's plan for the club's growth.
Fast forward a month, and Pochettino's status as Chelsea boss has never been more perilous. Without a win in the last three matches, including multi-goal defeats in the last two, Pochettino now finds himself in a very precarious position.
Even at a club where managerial consistency is more valued than at any point over the past few decades, Pochettino cannot continue to muck around and fall back on the (very real) excuses of youth and injuries for too much longer.
Defeats to Liverpool by three goals and Wolves by two in the past few weeks have done more damage to Pochettino's standing at Stamford Bridge than any of the many adverse results previously this season. Whereas before there was patience and foresight towards a still promising future, there's a very real sense of "if not now, when?" around the club's outlook.
As they meet Aston Villa in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday, having drawn 0-0 in London to force a do-over that neither club wanted, the Pochettino will be feeling the heat. So too are Chelsea's counterparts in this match, as a 5-0 win over Sheffield United was only the first step in turning around a poor run of form for Villa which has seen their title chase crumble and their electric season pegged back.
USA: Click here to see the latest odds for Chelsea vs Aston Villa and bet FA Cup matches
Chelsea vs Aston Villa prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+250)
- Score prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea
In truth, it is difficult to pin down exactly who these teams are at the moment. Chelsea are in disarray, as it seemed an eventual turnaround has been betrayed by a regression that, thanks in large part to the feeling of gradual improvement over the last few months, has created some panic around Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are in a poor run of form, missing all-important midfielder Lucas Paqueta in a big way. It's possible that the Brazilian returns from his calf problem soon, potentially even in this match, but it would likely be off the bench in a substitute role which would exert only slight influence over the match on the whole.
The two sides drew in their first meeting proper, and while they should find goals here, it will still be tough to separate the sides unless they can rediscover their best form.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| Aston Villa win | +120 |
| Draw | +250 |
| Chelsea win | +205 |
| Both teams to score Y/N |
-175 / +120 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
-145 / -105 |
| Chelsea to advance |
-150 |
| Aston Villa to advance |
+100 |
Chelsea vs Aston Villa match facts
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Location: Villa Park (Birmingham, England)
- Referee: Thomas Bramall, VAR: Peter Bankes
- Last meeting: Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa (Jan. 26, 2024 | FA Cup)
Chelsea vs Aston Villa: best bet
- Pick: Both teams to score — NO
- Odds: +130 (DraftKings)
In the first leg, these two sides produced a putrid attacking display that, in truth, felt as if neither club was truly motivated to advance. With both sides struggling for fitness and form, it would have benefitted either one to avoid a replay, yet even as the clock wound down there was no indication either side had any intention of going for a winner.
Aston Villa's big win over the weekend indicates a potential uptick in form, but unless the clubs gain some kind of inspiration to advance in this competition, we could get another dud on short rest from two teams lacking energy reserves.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa prop bet
- Pick: Ollie Watkins to score or assist a goal
- Odds: +105 (FanDuel)
- Pick: Christopher Nkunku to score or assist a goal
- Odds: +120 (FanDuel)
If you think this one might turn out a bit more exciting than we've predicted, here are the two players you should back.
Ollie Watkins was largely held in check through the first meeting between these two last week, but exploded to life with a goal and two assists against Sheffield United last weekend and has been exceedingly prolific. His goose egg for goal contributions in two FA Cup matches so far further underlies the point about lacking motivation in these games, but a chance to pip Chelsea in a do-or-die game could be enough to get him juiced.
While Christopher Nkunku wasn't fit enough to take part last meeting, he has returned to the field with some aplomb the last few games, adding a spark to the Chelsea attack. He produced a pair of shots on target against Wolves in the recent defeat, and should have found the net had it not been for an exceptional save by Jose Sa. If he is given a chance in this match, he will be ready to have an influence up front.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa live stream, TV channel
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | — | ESPN+ |
| Canada | Sportsnet | Sportsnet Now |
| UK | ITV1, STV Scotland | ITVX, STV Player |
Every FA Cup match is streamed in the United States exclusively on ESPN+.
In Canada, FA Cup matches are spread across Sportsnet's family of channels, and streamed on their platforms. In the UK, this match will be broadcast on ITV1 in England and STV in Scotland, with streaming on their various corresponding platforms.
