Chelsea vs. Aston Villa: Complete Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and Schedule

Chelsea will receive a visit from Aston Villa on Saturday, and both teams will be looking to end 2011 on a high note. Neither team has lived up to its respective expectations this season, but each will hope the new year brings better results.

After picking up a crucial victory over Manchester City, the Blues have endured three consecutive 1-1 draws to diminish any momentum that game provided. Their offensive failings are surprising considering how much firepower they have, but every team suffers through some skids during the year.

Aston Villa hasn't had much success in the attacking third, either. The Villans are averaging barely more than one goal per game and have been shut out in five of the last seven. While injuries have certainly played a role, they are only part of the problem.

Where: Stamford Bridge in London, England

When: Saturday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Chelsea -385, Aston Villa +1030, Draw +408

Player to Watch for Chelsea: M Frank Lampard

The 33-year-old Lampard continues to excel at an age when other players start to watch their production dip. He's scored seven goals and added four assists in 16 league games.

Usually when the offense finds itself in a rut, Lampard is the one who steps up to get things flowing again.

That will be his task on Saturday as the Blues attempt to get back on track. Chelsea can't afford to drop many more points against mid-table fodder if it hopes to make some noise before season's end. It's a point the veteran has probably stressed to his team.

Player to Watch for Aston Villa: F Gabriel Agbonlahor

As fellow strikers Darren Bent and Emile Heskey work back from injuries, the pressure to produce scoring chances will fall onto the shoulders of Agbonlahor. The long-time Villa forward is tied for the team lead in goals with five and will be the main target up front on New Year's Eve.

He's had moments during his career, especially during the 2008-09 season, when it appeared he would develop into a big-time scoring threat. Agbonlahor hasn't been able to show off that form on a consistent basis, however. He'll need to have a big game to keep Aston Villa afloat.

Key Matchup: Blues F Daniel Sturridge vs. Villa GK Brad Guzan

Guzan continues to be impressive while filling in for an injured Shay Given. He picked up a clean sheet in Villa's scoreless draw with Stoke City on Monday and will hope to earn some more starts in the future with another strong outing before Given returns.

His main threat will be Sturridge, who has nine Premiership goals in 14 games during the campaign. His terrific pace will cause problems for Aston Villa's back line, and he's never shy about letting a shot go if there's an opening. Guzan will need to be on his toes for all 90 minutes.

What They're Saying

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas doesn't think his team is a threat in the title chase after their recent stretch of draws (via ESPNsoccernet).

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"You assess things as they are. There's no big drama in terms of how we look at things. But you have to be sufficiently realistic. It's not impossible. You cannot say that. But we have to focus on our position at the moment and make a real assessment."

"Maybe the Premier League is over for us at the moment."

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Sky Sports passed along some thoughts from Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish concerning the health of forward Darren Bent:

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McLeish said: "I don't know. We thought he was ready for this one."

"He will have a scan in the morning. If there is new fluid we will know it is a fresh injury, if not he will be close (to facing Chelsea)."

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Prediction

Chelsea 2, Aston Villa 1