Preview: Chelsea V Aston Villa

Chelsea take on Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League's late kick off this evening as Thomas Tuchel's men look to build on their impressive start to the season as they return to West London. 

Both teams drew last time out with Chelsea having clung on at Anfield with ten-men, after Reece Jame's dismissal to gain an impressive 1-1 draw against rivals Liverpool. Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw against Brentford at Villa Park after Ivan Toney's opener was cancelled out by a fantastic equaliser from Emiliano Buendia.

Following two tough away games for the Blues away at Arsenal and then Anfield, the Stamford Bridge faithful will be delighted to see their team return to the Bridge this evening with high optimism as summer signing Romelu Lukaku starts his first game for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for over eight years. 

For Villa, following their mixed start to the season with a win, draw and defeat to their name so far, they will look to withstand the pressure from the home side and minimize the threat that Chelsea's attacking line will bring to the table. With a front three of Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and last week's goalscorer Kai Havertz set to start, Villa's defensive line will have their hands full if Dean Smith's men are to leave Stamford Bridge with anything but a defeat. 

With the home side still yet to taste defeat this season, they will look to go level with Manchester United at the top of the table, with United having a superior goal difference of three goals, meaning the Blues will have to win by a four goal margin if they are to end the evening top of the table. New signing Saul Niguez comes straight into the Blues midfield, as he looks to solidify Chelsea's charge for title glory this season, adding further stability and depth into their squad. 

This is an exciting encounter that will be sure to be a test for both sides, with the two teams both looking to make an early season statement and mount their objectives in this week's late kick off.