It will be interesting to know what Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is thinking as the Premier League champions host Aston Villa at home on Saturday at the Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have registered just eight points from their eight games in the Premier League so far -- their lowest start to an English league campaign since 1978. Mourinho's side currently remain in the 16th spot, just two positions ahead of Aston Villa, who havent had a pleasant start to their season either.
The ex-Real Madrid manager knows the importance of getting a win at this stage and the Portuguese coach stated that although he knows that his side won't be relegated, points are what they desperately need at the moment.
"Every game is a must-win for different reasons," Mourinho said. "In my approach every game is a must-win and when we don't win it's always a disappointment or frustration.
"We cannot run away from the reality of the Premier League table. Obviously we know we will not be relegated, we know that in a couple of months we will be in a position where we normally have to be, but the reality now, today, tomorrow and before the game starts is the reality of the numbers, and the numbers are very cruel but objective.
"We need points," the 'Happy One' added.
Tim Sherwood's side meanwhile, have just four points and a win from their eight league games this season, and Aston Villa also will be looking to getting their season up and running now, to avoid relegation at any cost at the end of the season.
"This is my first tough period in management. Once I get through this period everyone will benefit. I take a lot of heart from managers who have been through difficult periods," Sherwood said.
"We'll soldier on and get through it. I have 100% belief that we'll stay in the Premier League.
The loss of Christian Benteke to Liverpool this summer has proved to be really consequential for Villa, this season.
Team News
Chelsea - Branislav Ivanovic (hamstring) and Thibaut Courtois (knee) will be unavailable for the game on Saturday. Mourinho has told that he has options in Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma, or Ramires to take up Ivanovic's place in the line-up on 17 October; while 18-year-old fullback Ola Aina also remains another option.
Diego Costa returns following his three-match suspension and is expected to start in the attack on Saturday.
Aston Villa - Tim Sherwood will be having a tough time today as Gabriel Agbonlahor (calf), Ciaran Clark (thigh), Jores Okore (knee), and Gary Gardner (groin) remain sidelined.
Spanish midfielder Adama Traore meanwhile also looks fit to feature in the game.
Expected line-ups
Chelsea - Begovic; Cahill, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Loftus-Cheek; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa.
Aston Villa - Guzan; Richards, Lescott, Acuna, Amavi; Westwood, Gana Gueye; Sinclair, Grealish, Gil; Gestede.
Where to watch Live
Chelsea vs Aston Villa is scheduled for a 3 pm local time (7.30 pm IST, 10 am ET) start.
STAR SPORTS 4 will be broadcasting the game Live in India. Online streaming options include Starsports.com and Hotstar.
There will be no live TV coverage for the viewers in the UK, but the match can be listened live to on radio on Absolute Radio.
The viewers in the US can catch the game on option on USA Network, and also stream it live on NBC Sports Live Extra.
