Chelsea Look to Bounce Back at Villa Park

Chelsea aim to secure first away win at Villa Park since 2022 and close gap on Champions League places.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Chelsea travel to Villa Park tonight hoping to secure their first away victory at the ground since 2022 and close the gap on the Champions League places. The Blues have struggled of late, going winless in their last three matches, including a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday. Manager Liam Rosenior will welcome back defender Wesley Fofana from suspension, but winger Pedro Neto is ruled out due to a red card. Chelsea have lost eight of their last 10 midweek away games in the Premier League, including both of their trips on the road this year.

Why it matters

This match is crucial for Chelsea as they look to keep pace in the race for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. A win would see them close the gap on the teams above them, while a defeat would further dent their hopes. The Blues have struggled on the road of late, making this a tricky fixture against an Aston Villa side they have struggled to beat at Villa Park in recent years.

The details

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has a few injury concerns to contend with ahead of the match. Defender Marc Cucurella remains a doubt, while winger Pedro Neto is suspended after his red card against Arsenal. However, the return of Wesley Fofana from suspension is a boost. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Andrey Santos are expected to anchor the side, with Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández providing support for striker João Pedro. Chelsea will be hoping to improve their poor record of dropping 19 points from winning positions this season.

  • Chelsea have lost eight of their last 10 midweek away games in the Premier League, including both of their trips on the road this year.
  • Chelsea haven't won at Villa Park since 2022.

The players

Liam Rosenior

The Chelsea manager who is overseeing the team's recent struggles, including a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday.

Wesley Fofana

The Chelsea defender who is available for selection after serving a suspension.

Pedro Neto

The Chelsea winger who is suspended for this match after receiving a red card against Arsenal.

João Pedro

The Chelsea striker who has been directly involved in five goals in his five career appearances against Aston Villa, making them his favorite opponent.

Moisés Caicedo

The Chelsea midfielder expected to anchor the midfield alongside Andrey Santos.

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What they’re saying

“We must improve our away form if we want to secure a top-four finish. Villa Park has been a difficult place for us in recent years, but we're determined to change that tonight.”

— Liam Rosenior, Chelsea Manager (Chelsea FC)

What’s next

Chelsea will be hoping to build on a positive result at Villa Park when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The takeaway

Chelsea's recent struggles on the road have put their Champions League hopes in jeopardy, and a win at Villa Park would be a crucial step in the right direction as they look to close the gap on the top four.