Chelsea looking to extend 34-year streak against Aston Villa

The Blues have endured a hugely disappointing seven days, starting with a 1-0 reverse against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Three days later, Mauricio Pochettino witnessed his team succumb to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, a result that has increased scrutiny over his future.

However, despite that double setback, Chelsea remain with an opportunity to secure a top-seven finish in the top-flight standings, which would in turn lead to European qualification.

For that to be achieved, though, the West Londoners realistically need to accumulate a substantial batch of points from a triple-header against Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Villa and Chelsea have already played each other on three occasions this season, the most recent two fixtures taking place in the FA Cup fourth round.

After the teams played out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most complete performances of the season to prevail 3-1 in the replay at Villa Park.

As a result, Chelsea can become the first team in a decade to defeat Villa twice on away territory in a single season if they can emerge victorious at the weekend, Tottenham Hotspur last achieving that feat in 2013-14.

In the first game between the clubs this season in September, Villa came through by a 1-0 scoreline, Ollie Watkins scoring the decisive strike in the second half.

The England international is now attempting to become the first Villa player in history to score in three successive Premier League fixtures against Chelsea.