Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that his side will be looking to correct their mistakes and put in a stronger performance when they take on Chelsea at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking in his latest press conference, Emery acknowledged the quality of the Blues and the challenge his team faces.

“Tomorrow, Chelsea is really a very good test, collectively, individually, very good test,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of securing a positive result, with Villa currently falling short of their ambitions in the league.

He said: “In the table, we are more or less under our target, and tomorrow we have to try to get this opportunity again to try to compete and to try to get three points.”

Emery reflected on Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea earlier this season, when goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, and Cole Palmer secured a convincing win for the Blues. He insists his team has learned from that setback and will be better prepared this time around.

“Of course, two years ago, last year, the first match we played this season against Chelsea was a different moment. Now, hopefully, we can feel stronger.”

“Last year against Chelsea at home, in the FA Cup we were out, in the Premier League match we played more or less in February/March, we competed very well but we drew. They were always demanding (of) us a lot, always.”

Emery admitted that Villa did not perform to their usual standards when they visited Stamford Bridge earlier this season, but believes his side has grown since then.

“This year we played there in London, we lost and we deserved to lose. We didn’t perform, we didn’t compete like I think we have to, to get to the level we achieved last year. This year, more or less, we are achieving something, but not consistency.”

With another opportunity to test themselves against Chelsea, Emery is eager to see how his players respond.

“Tomorrow is the test, and tomorrow I am motivated preparing (for) the match. I am motivated preparing, as well, our team, analysing the match we played on Wednesday.”

He added that Villa have been carefully studying their recent performances and the strengths of their current squad in hopes of securing a better result.

“We analysed before the matches we played with the players we have now, with the new players as well. And of course, the most important, how they are responding, being as well motivated to try to help us.”

With Villa determined to make a statement and Chelsea looking to build on their recent form, Saturday’s showdown promises to be an intense encounter.