FA CUP: Chelsea vs Aston Villa match preview, predictions, possible lineups, time and where to watch

The upcoming FA Cup fourth-round match between Chelsea and Aston Villa is scheduled for Friday, 26th January 2024, at 8:45 PM WAT. The game will take place at Stamford Bridge, London.

Chelsea, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, have had a challenging season, currently standing ninth in the Premier League with 31 points from 21 matches. They have had a recent form of W-L-W-W-W across all competitions. 

Key players for Chelsea in this match include Enzo Fernandez, a versatile midfielder known for his long-range passing and defensive skills, and Cole Palmer, who has been in fine form with a total of 11 goals this season. 

However, Chelsea is grappling with several injuries, missing players like Lesley Ugochukwu, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, and Robert Sanchez.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, led by Unai Emery, are having a remarkable season. They are fourth in the Premier League and have an opportunity to challenge for the title. Their form across all competitions is D-W-W-L-D. 

Ollie Watkins, a dynamic forward with 14 goals in various competitions, is a key player to watch. Aston Villa also faces injury challenges, with Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia, and Lucas Digne out due to injuries. Pau Torres and Jacob Ramsey are also doubtful for the match.

Historically, Chelsea and Aston Villa have met 163 times across all competitions, with Chelsea leading with 68 wins, Aston Villa with 60, and 35 draws. 

Aston Villa won the last meeting between the two sides 1-0. 

In terms of predictions, Chelsea is favored to win given their strong home performance with seven consecutive home victories and scoring two or more goals in eight out of the last nine home matches. 

Aston Villa has only one victory in their previous four league matches. A prediction of Chelsea winning 2-1 has been suggested.

The match is expected to be a tight contest, reflecting both teams' recent form and historical rivalry. Fans can follow the match through various broadcasters depending on their location, with coverage available on Sony Sports in India, BBC and ITV in the UK, ESPN in the US, and Supersport in Nigeria​​​​​​​​.