With kick-off at 7:00 PM, Chelsea invites Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on December 1, 2024. Having demonstrated excellent form in previous games, including successes in both domestic and European events recently, Chelsea heads into this game with a strong win possibility. Aston Villa, on the other hand, has suffered; their previous seven games have resulted in no victories. Both teams depend on the meeting since Chelsea wants to confirm their place for European qualifying and Villa wants to stop their underperformance and ascend the Premier League ladder.

Chelsea moving from chaos to consistency but title challenger? Maresca says ‘no’

Liverpool’s fast start and Manchester City’s unusual slide make it easy to overlook Chelsea’s climb up to third place in the English Premier League.

Just don’t call it a title contender.

But progress? Yes. It wasn’t long ago that Chelsea was in the headlines for its revolving door of coaches and seemingly wasteful spending, combined with inconsistent performances on the field.

Chelsea takes a four-match Premier League unbeaten run into Sunday’s game at Stamford Bridge against Aston Villa.

Chelsea has lost just twice in 12 league games — 2-0 to City in the season opener and 2-1 at Anfield last month. Chelsea trails first-placed Liverpool by nine points and defending champion City by just one point.

This summer, Maresca became Chelsea’s fourth permanent manager since the club came under American ownership midway through 2022. The 44-year-old Italian named Liverpool, City and Arsenal as the teams that are ahead of Chelsea — not necessarily by point totals though.

Arne Slot is in his first year as Liverpool coach but the team has barely changed from the one under Jurgen Klopp. Arsenal is level on points (22) with Chelsea.

Maresca, a former assistant to Guardiola, was hired by Chelsea after leading Leicester back to the Premier League.

Chelsea beat Heidenheim 2-0 in Germany on Thursday to remain perfect in the third-tier UEFA Conference League.

(AP)