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Chelsea will be hoping to put their latest setback behind them when they play hosts to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues recorded yet another 1-1 draw on Boxing Day, this time against local rivals Fulham, to make it three stalemates in a row – a run that has all put them out of contention for the title.
Luckily for Andre Villas-Boas only Tottenham and Manchester United picked up maximum points in the post-Christmas fixtures to help them hold on to a top four spot, although the fact they lost ground to Spurs in third what have irked the former Porto man somewhat.
Villas-Boas has all but conceded defeat in the race for the title and said the target is now a top four finish, almost exactly 12 months after former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke the same words on his way to the sack at the end of the season.
While there are no suggestions the 34-year-old may lose his job come the summer, he will want to make finish as his possible his priority in order to make his life a little more comfortable going into the next season.
Chelsea have already signalled their intention to buy in the January transfer window with the news they have agreed a fee with Bolton for defender Gary Cahill and look set to add further names to their squad over the next month, meaning those already at the Bridge will want to impress in order to maintain their current positions in the Chelsea team.
Aston Villa meanwhile have endured something of an unhappy Christmas, with Alex McLeish’s side unable to string results together in order to push them up the table.
A decent performance in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal had given the Villa Park faithful hope after an insipid display against Liverpool the week previously, however an uninspired 0-0 draw with Stoke on Boxing Day gave Villa little to cheer about heading into the new year.
They now sit in 12th position on 20 points having previously occupied 8th place before the festive period, and McLeish will be desperate to get whatever he can against an out-of-form Chelsea side to provide a boost for the remainder of the campaign.
Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel will miss the game for Chelsea having failed to overcome their respective injuries, however Ramires, John Terry and Jose Bosingwa are fit to start having shaken off knocks picked up against Fulham.
Villa will be hoping Darren Bent is fit to start after missing their last three games, however Emile Heskey remains on the sidelines.
Match Winner
Despite the fact that Chelsea looking out of sorts and Aston Villa look inconsistent, the home side remain heavy favourites to take all three points and hold off Arsenal for a top four spot going into 2012.
The blues are 1.30 (3/10) with Paddy Power to take the win while Villa are 13.00 (12/1) with StanJames to pick up a shock victory.
The draw is best placed with BoyleSports at 5.50 (9/2).
First Goalscorer
With Darren Bent hopeful of returning for the game against Chelsea, Villa will look to pose a great deal more danger in front of goal than they have in recent weeks.
Bent is 13.00 (12/1) with BetFred to get proceedings underway while his next best placed team-mate is Gabriel Agbonlahor, priced at 17.00 (16/1) with the same bookmaker.
For Chelsea, Didier Drogba has gone off the boil slightly in recent weeks while Daniel Sturridge has taken up the goalscoring reigns, and the Englishman is best placed at 4.50 (7/2) with Bet365 to score first while his more experienced team-mate is level with him with the same bookie.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Daniel Sturridge, 4.50 (7/2) Bet365
Correct score: Chelsea 2-0, 7.00 (6/1) @ Ladbrokes
