I had Aston Villa to beat Arsenal at 7/1 on Saturday and they turned out to be well worth their victory. Everything pointed to a good chance of an upset; Arsenal were depleted by injuries, they had no big summer signings on board, talk of restlessness within the fanbase (which was always going to produce a negative atmosphere at the ground) and Villa had actually strengthened their squad, as well as possessing a front three capable of haunting that porous Arsenal defence.
However, I'm trying to see how Villa can replicate that tonight against Chelsea and I'm not as optimistic. Chelsea have no injury concerns, they've strengthened their squad adequately over the summer, there's a huge feel-good factor at Stamford Bridge with the return of Mourinho and I feel Chelsea's defence aren't as susceptible to the counter-attack like Arsenal are. I normally look for value in the underdog (even if I see a team as being a 3/1 shot and the bookies have them at 5/1, I'll have a punt out of value), and Villa at 9/1 on paper look to be a little bit of value, but I cannot say with absolute conviction this time around in contrast to Saturday.
What does appeal from a Villa point-of-view is their away record. They have only lost 4 of their last 15 Premier League away games (against United, City, Chelsea and Arsenal) so their record on the road is quite good. I backed them a good few times away from Villa Park last season and got some nice prices on them (wins versus Sunderland, Liverpool, Norwich and twice two last minute goals cost me big prices when Everton and Swansea scored in injury-time).
Villa carry a genuine goal threat with Benteke, Wiemann and Agbonlahor and Chelsea allowed Hull a few chances on Sunday. You'd fancy Villa to nick a goal if presented the same, but the question is whether they can restrict Chelsea to half-chances down the other end? Villa's midfield is full of vigour and enthusiasm and I think they'll get in Chelsea's faces a bit in this middle third. Look at how aggressive they were in the tackle against Wilshere and co. on Saturday.
I'll have a (small) cautious punt on Villa at 9/1 and a little more on them in the +2 handicap betting at 10/11. Hoping for a good entertaining game anyway, which it should be.