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When Chelsea lost to Arsenal it was their first loss in 19, and Chelsea are keen to regain form after that downturn. Chelsea lie 6 points behind the Gunners, whilst Aston Villa haven't won in four games.
Suspensions and Injuries
Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini are missing and so Henrique Hilario will play. John Terry will remain out with a foot injury and powerful forward Didier Drogba having undergone knee surgery will miss out.
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov could be in line for a recall.
Squads
Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, J Cole, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro.
Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Davies, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.
O'Neill: it'll be tough
We've got a tough period coming up.
"But this time of the year is always critical because there are so many games in quick succession.
"You can recover from a poor Christmas but if you can do well it gives you an enormous spur."
Eyefootball Premiership Predictor
CHELSEA 1-0 ASTON VILLA
Another great game in the Boxing Day bonanza, but this one will go the way of Chelsea who will be looking to build on some inspired form from Andriy Shevchenko.
Goalscorer: Andriy Shevchenko.
Written by majicka
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