Though not traditionally seen as a Premier League 'classic,' the form of the two teams will surely make for exciting viewing.
Villa looking to equal all-time record
When Unai Emery's side dispatched Man United in their last game, it was the Villans 10th win in a row in all competitions.
A win in West London could equal their all-time club record of 11 consecutive victories, which the club have managed twice before, in both September 1897 and March 1914.
Were they to do just that, they'd have the chance to beat it against Arsenal three days later, potentially drawing level with them on points in the process.
It shouldn't be overlooked that Villa remain one of only two clubs to beat the Gunners this season, their 2-1 victory coming at the start of the month. To book-end December with another big win against them would be poetic.
Chelsea on the slide
In any event, the victory over the Red Devils saw them firmly ensconced in third position in the table, just three points behind the table-topping North Londoners, and seven ahead of the Blues in fourth.
Were Liverpool to beat basement boys, Wolverhampton Wanderers, in one of the earlier Saturday kick-offs, Chelsea may have even slid to as low as fifth before a ball is kicked in earnest at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca's side does have to be wary of their recent slide continuing too.
Having won only two of their last seven matches across all competitions (D3, L3), the West Londoners have found themselves in a bit of a rut.
Their manager's cryptic words after the recent win over Everton did nothing to quell speculation that he might well be looking towards pastures new in due course, too. Hardly the best preparation going into one of the busiest periods of the season.
"The last 48 hours have been the worst since I joined the club because many people didn't support me and the team," he was quoted as saying.
Both teams could be missing six players
Earning a 2-2 draw at in-form Newcastle after going 2-0 down early in the first half of that match does show that the Blues have the fight to battle for every victory, and Emery will also understand that if his side does want to equal their club record of consecutive wins, they'll be made to work hard for it.
In terms of players that are missing, both teams could be without six for this one.
The hosts won't be able to call upon the services of Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia or Levi Colwill, whilst Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended. Liam Delap and Estevao, meanwhile, will face late fitness tests.
Villa have Evann Vidjannagni Guessand at the Africa Cup of Nations, Jadon Sancho can't face his parent club, whilst Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley are out until at least the Arsenal fixture on December 30th.
There'll be a late fitness test for Harvey Elliott, though he could also miss out if he isn't 100%.
No goals for Villa on their last two visits to the Bridge
The visitors haven't scored on their last two visits to Stamford Bridge, losing one (3-0) and drawing the other (0-0), though that loss, in December 2024, is their only one in the last four visits.
Villa's last Premier League victory there came in September 2023, and given Chelsea have also won two of the last three at Villa Park, a win for the Midlanders is long overdue.
Of the last 15 encounters, Chelsea still holds the advantage with seven wins, there have been four victories for the Villans and four draws.
Goals should be a given for both sides too, as the Blues have kept just two clean sheets in their last seven games, and Villa are even worse off in that respect having managed just one in their last eight attempts.
Morgan Rogers is enjoying a vintage campaign
Morgan Rogers has clearly been the main man for the visitors this season, his two goals against Man Utd taking him to seven for the season, the most of any Villa player.
The England international has also taken the most total shots (31), as well as having the most on target (15).
Fellow midfielder, John McGinn, isn't necessarily renowned for his creativity, given his more physical attributes; however, the Scot has weighed in with the most chances created (22), so Chelsea would do well to keep one eye on Villa's number seven too.
When the Blues are free-flowing, it's the visitors who need to have their wits about them too, as Chelsea offer an attacking threat from all over the pitch.
Vice-captain Enzo Fernandez often leads by example alongside Moises Caicedo, and the Argentinian's 32 total shots and 15 on target are both the best in class for his team.
Pedro Neto's 27 chances created are more than any of his teammates, and his five goals are the joint most, along with Joao Pedro.
It might surprise some that captain and defender, Reece James, has the joint most assists, evidencing the need for Villa to ensure that space isn't ceded down either channel, as Marc Cucurella will also be raiding down the left.
Goals expected
Either side of half-time could prove to be when this game is won or lost, as Villa have scored their most goals in the 15 minutes leading into the break, whilst Chelsea have scored the majority of theirs in the 15 minutes afterwards.
The visitors haven't lost a game when scoring first this season either, so Chelsea need to get an early upper hand in the game if they're going to dent Villa's recent progress.
