Chelsea test looms for Aston Villa

Emery's men muscle into the EPL title race

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Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring their second goal against Manchester United.

(REUTERS)

Aston Villa face a tough challenge at Chelsea tomorrow after muscling their way into the Premier League title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Gunners, top of the tree at Christmas, host Brighton, while Pep Guardiola's inform City travel to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is grappling with a striker crisis after Alexander Isak fractured his leg, while Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes also faces a spell on the sidelines.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the festive action:

Unai Emery's third-placed Villa are still considered rank outsiders for the Premier League title even though they are just three points behind leaders Arsenal.

Villa's 2-1 home win against Manchester United was their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions the first time they have achieved the feat as a topflight team since 1914.