Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.

Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:

Chelsea FC 3 - 0 Aston Villa FC

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:38

A convincing Chelsea victory takes the Blues back to within six points of the Premier League summit - for a few hours at least - as they cruise past an ailing Aston Villa side at Stamford Bridge. The hosts' 3-0 success was just reward for a dominant display, as Jackson and Enzo Fernandez struck before the break, and Palmer completed the scoring with a typically stylish strike late on. Maresca's men finished with an xG of 1.61 to Villa's 1.15, but that doesn't tell the tale of their superiority throughout. After posting three points and a rare clean sheet in their first December fixture, Chelsea can look forward to visiting struggling Southampton next Wednesday, while Emery's side must hope to snap their eight-game winless streak at home to Brentford next time out. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:31

FULL-TIME: CHELSEA 3-0 ASTON VILLA

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:31

Caicedo sends Nkunku away through the centre, and the French forward curls in a powerful shot from 20 yards out. However, it ends up zipping a yard or so wide of the right-hand post.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:29

Chelsea are content to rotate the ball around in midfield, with Aston Villa's dejected side left chasing shadows. It's been a chastening game for the visitors, whose long winless run will go on.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:27

CLOSE! In the first minute of at least five added for stoppages, Chelsea do well to keep their sheet clean! First, Sanchez smothers an attempt from Duran, and Colwill then dives in to make his latest block, denying a potential tap-in for Torres!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:25

DOUBLE SAVE! Olsen keeps the scoreline down! First, the substitute stopper makes a fine save to deny Joao Felix's low drive, then he gets up in time to keep out Madueke's follow-up strike! Joao Felix then heads over from close range.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:22

Yellow Card João Félix Sequeira

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:19

Substitution Roméo Lavia Malo Arthur Gusto

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:19

Substitution Cole Jermaine Palmer João Félix Sequeira

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:19

Yellow Card Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:17

Substitution Oliver George Arthur Watkins Emiliano Buendía Stati

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:16

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:16

Villa brought a good recent record into this match, having won two and drawn one of their last three visits to Stamford Bridge. However, they've been well off the pace today, looking both tired and low in confidence.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:14

Cucurella keeps his eye on the ball and makes a clean tackle inside his own box, after Bailey drifts inside and looks to line up a shot. Chelsea are closing in on their first Premier League clean sheet at Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:12

Since half-time, there has been just one shot on target between the two teams, and Villa have produced only four attempts following the interval. The visitors can't claim to deserve anything other than defeat, which they're on course for - barring a miraculous last-gasp fightback.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:09

Tracked all the way by Torres, Palmer surges upfield towards the box; when Chelsea's main man checks back inside to shoot, Aston Villa's Spanish defender makes a crucial block.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:07

After Cucurella clears a dangerous cross behind for a corner, the set-piece delivery picks out Duran. He heads towards the target from close range, but Colwill makes a superb block. Villa's second corner-kick then comes to nothing.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:04

Substitution Jadon Malik Sancho Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:04

Substitution Nicolas Jackson Christopher Alan Nkunku

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:04

Jackson drops back to clear away a long throw into the area, and his header ultimately results in Chelsea sparking a quick counter. Villa recover in time, though, and snuff out any danger.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:00

Villa send two more substitutes on: first, Rogers is replaced by Duran, who will partner Watkins up front.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:00

With a 71% share of the ball since half-time, Chelsea have not relinquished their stranglehold on this match. For just a moment, they seem set for a game-ending third goal, but Jackson's wayward touch allows Konsa to recover following an error.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

15:00

Substitution Jaden Richard Philogene-Bidace Leon Patrick Bailey Butler

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:54

Substitution Boubacar Bernard Kamara Ross Barkley

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:54

Yellow Card Matthew Stuart Cash

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:53

In the latest of a long series of injuries, Fofana appears to have picked up a muscular problem. After an assesment from the medics, he makes his way off the pitch in some distress.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:52

Substitution Wesley Tidjan Fofana Benoît Ntambue Badiashile Mukinayi Baya

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:52

McGinn heads high over the top following a corner-kick taken by Tielemans on the right. It seemed as though Villa's skipper was being held, but that had little impact on his wayward attempt.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:50

Chelsea have conceded at least once in all six of their previous Premier League home games this season, and they last had a longer wait from the start of a league campaign back in 1978. Is this the day that streak ends? It's perhaps one weakness that could stop them from contending for the title.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:47

Enzo Fernandez wins the ball from Kamara in midfield, before surging forward and releasing Jackson through the centre with an incisive low pass. The Senegalese striker lashes his shot high over the crossbar, though.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:46

Yellow Card Jaden Richard Philogene-Bidace

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:45

Following an early scare in this half, Chelsea have resumed their dominance of possession. Villa may have to concentrate on trying to resuce their arrears via counter-attacks and set-pieces, the latter of which they excel at.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:43

Torres and Olsen combine to cut out and clear a brilliant throughball by Lavia, who is just inches away from picking out Palmer in the box. Villa's back-up goalkeeper makes a positive start, and he'll surely be called upon again before full-time.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:41

Soon after the restart, Tielemans finds McGinn, who drives towards the edge of the box and shoots at goal. Sanchez makes a good save, but there was an offside offence in any case.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:39

Chelsea kick off, and we are back under way at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:38

Substitution Damián Emiliano Martínez Romero Robin Patrick Olsen

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:34

Villa have only kept one clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League matches, and for the first time since October 2021 - then under the management of Dean Smith - the Birmingham club have conceded two or more goals in four consecutive league fixtures. There are some clear flaws in the side, which Chelsea will expect to exploit further after the interval. As things stand, the Blues will pull level on points with second-placed London rivals Arsenal.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:30

Dominant in all aspects of the game, Chelsea deservedly lead 2-0 at half-time and are on course for a comfortable victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. For the sixth time this season, Jackson opened the scoring in a Premier League match, before Villa narrowly avoided going behind on a couple of other occasions, and a fine strike from Enzo Fernandez increased the Blues' advantage as the interval approached. Watkins twice saw shots saved by Sanchez, but Aston Villa's xG of 0.39 - compared to their hosts' 0.67 so far - is almost flattering in the context of how the first half played out. Emery has some serious thinking to do at the break, while Maresca can be confident that his team will post a third straight win.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:23

HALF-TIME: CHELSEA 2-0 ASTON VILLA

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:22

SAVE! Sanchez thwarts Watkins at his near post! The Villa striker unleashes a low shot towards the bottom-right corner, but Chelsea's goalkeeper does well to get down and make a smart stop!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:21

There will be at least five minutes added for stoppages at the end of this half, and Villa will have to hang on a little longer for a welcome half-time whistle.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:20

Aston Villa were one of just three sides Palmer had failed to score or assist against in the league since joining Chelsea, but now that brief list is down to two. His record is simply stunning, and all the signs are that he could lead an unexpected title challenge for his club.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:17

Opta's live win predictor now has Chelsea's chances of success at 91%, compared to Aston Villa's 2% as things stand. Given how much they've struggled for form in recent weeks, it really is tough to see how the Villans can fight back.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:15

After passively standing off Palmer on the edge of the box, Villa avoid punishment. Chelsea's chief creator scuffs his shot well wide of the right-hand post.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:13

Fofana makes a brilliant recovery on the edge of the area, having lost the ball to Watkins. He cleanly wins it back just as the England striker lines up a shot, and Chelsea ultimately clear their lines.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:09

After evading a risky challenge by Kamara in the box, Sancho slams a 15-yard shot into Konsa. If the Chelsea winger had toppled over there, he may well have earned a penalty. Kamara must be relieved that he didn't.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:08

Assist Cole Jermaine Palmer

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:08

Another corner from Enzo Fernandez is slung into the six-yard box, but Martinez is then fouled by Cucurella and it'll be an Aston Villa free-kick. Chelsea may regret not scoring a second goal during this half, as they have been by far the better side.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:07

Goal Enzo Jeremías Fernández

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:06

No doubt breathing heavily after his horrendous error - and subsequent save - Martinez requires treatment for a knock. As the medics sprint off the pitch and clear him to continue, Enzo Fernandez tees up a corner-kick from the left. It comes to nothing, though.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:05

CLOSE ESCAPE! Somehow, Martinez avoids giving away a gift-wrapped goal! He presents the ball straight to Jackson, who is clear through, but the big goalkeeper quickly scrambles and makes a crucial stop by smothering the ball. Villa breathe again!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:02

Martinez leaps up above a crowd to safely field Neto's threatening inswinging cross from the right, as Chelsea's search for a second goal continues.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:01

Rogers buys a free-kick inside his own half, easing the building pressure on VIlla's defence. If the away side can keep their deficit down to one until half-time, they may regard that as an acceptable outcome.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

14:00

CLOSE! After a long build-up, Chelsea finally take their unusually close-range free-kick. First, Palmer has his drive saved by Martinez, then a sea of white shirts descend on Lavia, who sees a follow-up shot blocked! It's desperate defending from Aston Villa, but it gets the job done!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:57

SAVE! Palmer tests Martinez with a low drive towards the right-hand side of the net, which the goalkeeper flies across to keep out. However, moments later, Torres touches the ball back to his 'keeper, who then picks it up. It'll be an indirect free-kick for Chelsea, just eight or nine yards from goal!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:56

Since the start of May, only Erling Haaland (18) has scored more goals in the Premier League than Nicolas Jackson (12), whose early strike today is separating the sides at Stamford Bridge. There's a brief lull now, with play mostly taking place in midfield.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:52

Chelsea are just edging the possession so far, with 54% to Villa's 46%, while there have been two attempts apiece. The hosts haven't exactly dominated the early proceedings, but it's clear they are the more fluent side.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:50

Martinez is in no hurry to distribute the ball, as he dwells on it for several seconds while scoping out the state of play in front of him. That draws jeers from the home fans, who don't appreciate the goalkeeper slowing Chelsea's tempo.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:48

SAVE! Sanchez makes a smart stop! Watkins steals away from Fofana on the left side of the area, then moves into a shooting position. From close range, he fails to find the net, as Sanchez narrows down the angle and smothers his shot! Watkins has scored just one goal in his last seven matches.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:47

After Neto drives inside from his position out on the right flank, he eases past Digne and tees up a shot. From the edge of the box, he skews a wayward attempt well wide of the left-hand post.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:45

Tielemans fails to pick out the run of Watkins with a low throughball, allowing Sanchez to leave his line and collect it. The away side have yet to produce any significant threat in the final third.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:43

After a brief delay for Philogene to receive treatment for a knock, the action resumes. Can Aston Villa respond to their latest setback? They are surely low in confidence after recent results, while their hosts are flying high.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:39

As expected, Chelsea are having most of the ball, with Aston Villa being pushed back. An Enzo Fernandez cross into the box is safely gathered by his international team-mate Martinez.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:38

Goal Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:38

Caicedo last started at right-back in a Premier League game in May 2023 - during a 4-1 loss for Brighton against Newcastle. He has been drifting inside to help out Chelsea's midfield so far, so it's an interesting tactical tweak by Maresca.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:32

Wearing white and sky-blue, Aston Villa kick off - we are under way at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:29

The players are out on the pitch, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:29

Aiming to revive his ailing side, Emery makes five changes compared to Aston Villa's last league match - their most from one top-flight game to another this season. Digne, Konsa, Cash, Kamara and Philogene all come in, with the latter making just his second Premier League start.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:24

Only Sancho keeps his place in the Chelsea lineup following Thursday's Conference League win, while there are three changes from last week's game against Leicester City. Portuguese pair Joao Felix and Pedro Neto come into the hosts' starting XI, alongside Lavia.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:18

SUBS: Robin Olsen, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Jhon Duran, Emiliano Buendia, Ian Maatsen, Lamare Bogarde, Leon Bailey.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:18

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Jaden Philogene; Ollie Watkins.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:13

SUBS: Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, Renato Veiga.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:13

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Moises Caicedo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia; Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:08

Without a win in seven games, Aston Villa arrive in London on the back of recent draws with Juventus and Crystal Palace. Since beating Bologna at the end of October, Unai Emery's men have slumped down the standings in both the Champions League and England's top flight. Now outside of the all-important top eight places in the former, Villa also sit ninth in the latter. Nonetheless, victory today would take the Birmingham club level on points with their hosts.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:08

Completing a defeat-free November, Chelsea have continued their resurgence since the last international break, following a 2-1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s old club Leicester City with a 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League. The latter result preserved their 100% record in Europe's third-tier competition, meaning that the Blues are guaranteed a playoff place at least. Though results yesterday dropped them down to fifth in the Premier League, another win today would take them third - at least for a few hours.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

13:02

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

11:30

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…