Paul Merson: Why Chelsea will ease pressure with Aston Villa win

Paul Merson is backing Chelsea to return to winning ways by claiming victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Blues have endured a disastrous start to the new season, losing four of their opening eight Premier League games to leave their title defence in tatters.

Jose Mourinho’s men slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat by Southampton in their most recent outing before the international break.

However, former Arsenal man Merson is fully expecting Chelsea to claim the three points when they host Tim Sherwood’s men in west London this weekend.

Merson told Sky Sports: “[It is] the perfect game for Chelsea to bounce back, but I said that for the Southampton game a fortnight ago. Here I’d really expect them to win though, and easily.

“Villa are in a spot of bother at the moment, but I believe Tim Sherwood should be given time, I don’t see any point in sacking him. But they haven’t had the hardest start, and now they have some really tough games to contend with. Tim just needs to get those new players gelling more, they haven’t hit the ground running.”

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Chelsea head into Saturday’s game a staggering 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, with Mourinho’s men already having lost five games in all competitions this season.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat by Stoke City before the international break. Sherwood’s men are currently 18th in the table on just four points.