Chelsea need to return to the FA Cup to face Premier League side Villa just three days after beating Championship side Myburgh in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Apart from the upcoming Carabao Cup final, the FA Cup is the Blues' only good chance to win the trophy this season, so they will take the tournament very seriously. The Blues are runners-up in the 2022 FA Cup, and this is the first time they have been on track to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Chelsea's presence at Stamford Bridge at this time is a huge inspiration, with 40 wins (five draws, two defeats) in their previous 47 FA Cup games at the stadium. It also included an eight-game winning streak and 24 goals scored in the process. With Mauricio Pochettino's side scoring 11 goals in their previous three home games, it could be a tight show.
Villa's short winter break will end at the Bridge Stadium for their first FA Cup fourth round since 2016. Including their fateful FA Cup fourth round eight years ago, Villa have suffered eight consecutive defeats at all stages of the Cup. It wasn't until the third round of the FA Cup that Villa beat Myburgh 1-0, Chelsea's opponents in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Villa's aforementioned win over Myburgh was part of their last three unbeaten runs in all competitions, with Unai Emery's side winning two and drawing one of their previous three and keeping a clean sheet in their last two. For Midlands' side Villa, the next step is to overcome their previous record of seven consecutive away games in the FA Cup, and the chances are now good. Villa have the chance to make it three wins in a row at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1960.
Players of the match: Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling scored and provided the assist against Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup, having been involved in 19 goals (10 goals and nine assists) in his last 20 FA Cup starts. Villa centre-forward Ollie Watkins has won his previous two away games at Chelsea with clean sheets, and he has scored in both cases.
What to watch: Chelsea have won just 50 per cent of their matches against Premier League sides in regular time this season (nine wins, two draws, seven defeats). #FA Cup##Premier League##如此英超, how can you not love ##League Cup##Chelsea##维拉#