Agbonlahor: Aston Villa handed ‘perfect’ boost after pre-Chelsea reveal
The visit of Chelsea has come at the “perfect time” for Aston Villa, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed Chelsea are out of form and Steven Gerrard’s side have a real chance of winning the game.
The European champions have been decimated by a covid outbreak in recent weeks with Thomas Tuchel forced to hand three academy players their debut in the 2-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday (22 December).
As quoted by football.london, the German revealed he could welcome Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi back for the visit to Villa Park.
“1000 per cent, this is the best time to play Chelsea,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“They are struggling for form, they are struggling to score goals as much as they were at the beginning of the season.
“You also don’t know which players are going to be back from covid, you don’t what condition they are going to be in.
“They’re struggling for confidence and it’s a must-win game for Chelsea against Aston Villa. If they want to stay in the title race, they have got to win.
“Aston Villa can use that to their advantage, frustrate Chelsea. They can maybe play with similar tactics that they did against Man City at home and take their chances.
“Steven Gerrard will be thinking this is a great time to play them and will be looking at three points. He won’t see it as a free hit.
“This Chelsea team is vulnerable, they look like they can be attacked and will concede goals. It’s a great time to play Chelsea.
“Villa had their game last weekend called off. They’re going to be the fresher team because of that.
“This is the perfect time to play Chelsea. Players will have had a rest, it’s a great time to get something out of the game against Chelsea.”
In other news, an injury expert has revealed an Aston Villa star may have a torn ‘MCL’ after ‘surgery’ news.