To give us all the latest info from Stamford Bridge, we enlisted the help of CFCnet writer Rowan Farnham-Long, who was more than happy to give his views on the Scolari sacking and Chelsea's interest in Martin O'Neill.
On Chelsea:
Villa-MAD: Firstly, what is your opinion on your overall performance so far this season?
Rowan: I'm a little underwhelmed! We started well and, to be fair, we have put in some entertaining performances at times, but for the past few months we have been stale to say the least.
Villa-MAD: Who have been your main men?
Rowan: We had high hopes for our two summer signings Deco and José Bosingwa, but Deco has been about as useful as a chocolate teapot and Bosingwa is fine going forward, but a bit disappointing when it comes to defending.
Instead, we have had to look to the inspirational Frank Lampard, who at times seems to carry the entire side. I can't imagine what kind of mess we would be in had he left before the season started.
Nicolas Anelka has been banging the goals in - but little else - while a special mention must go to young winger Miroslav Stoch, who seems to be like Arjen Robben but without the injuries.
Villa-MAD: What did you think to the departure of Luis Filipe Scolari?
Rowan: To be honest a lot of fans were calling for it months ago. I was surprised it happened though, but I suppose the Hull draw was the straw which broke the camel's back. A reluctance to change things and a supposed lax attitude to training were just two of his faults, but sacking him is like putting a plaster on a gun shot wound; the damage has been done and we've got an unbalanced and underperforming squad.
Villa-MAD: Is there a renewed feeling of optimism with the arrival of Guus Hiddink?
Rowan: I think there is, although we haven't even seen him in charge of us in a game situation. We had an open training session at the Bridge the other day and he got a standing ovation from the fans apparently. I suppose it's the usual new manager optimism mixed with a sense of 'anyone could follow Scolari'!
Villa-MAD: Can you win anything?
Rowan: The league is beyond us; unfortunately Manchester United seem to be unstoppable. The Champions League could also be a bridge too far with Barcelona and United looking the two strongest sides in the competition, but you never know, who would have thought Liverpool could reach the final in 2005?
I think the FA Cup is possible though, barring any major slip-ups.
Villa-MAD: What are your aims for the remainder of the season?
Rowan: Under Scolari I was just happy to win the next game! Depending on how we do in the next few matches, I reckon we need to prioritise finishing in the top four.
Villa-MAD: What will your line-up be on Saturday?
Rowan: Everyone's favourite author Ashley Cole is unfortunately suspended, and having sold Wayne Bridge in January, we have no natural left-backs! There are rumours that young defender Michael Mancienne could start, while Deco is reportedly set to play in a deep, Andrea Pirlo-esque role. We could see the following line-up though: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Mikel, Deco, Lampard, Quaresma, Anelka, Drogba.
However, this is complete guesswork, and at the end of the day it's all down to Guus!
On Villa:
Villa-MAD: What is the Chelsea view of Villa's top four prospects?
Rowan: If we both finish in the top four then I've got no problem with it! It's nice to see a bit of a shake-up, plus it may mean Arsenal will have to enter the UEFA Cup next season.
Villa-MAD: Where do you think we will finish?
Rowan: Never write off Arsene Wenger! I said at the mid-way point of the season that Arsenal would finish in the top four at Villa's expense, and I still feel that they have enough strength to do so, but the way things are going and the way Villa are playing, I may be forced to eat my words.
Villa-MAD: What do you think of our predominantly English squad?
Rowan: Good thing for the national side obviously, although I can't see Marlon Harewood breaking into Fabio Capello's squad any time soon! It is a novelty but an admirable one at that.
Villa-MAD: Do you fancy a move for Martin O'Neill at the end of the season?
Rowan: O'Neill is the kind of manager I would love to see at Chelsea. Passionate, vibrant and a real football man. He has done wonderful things with Villa and is obviously dedicated to building a dynasty at the club which is what we need. I see David Moyes in the same vein, and he is near the top of my list, but obviously it would be a good thing if O'Neill decided to join us.
Villa-MAD: Which Villa players, if any, would you like in your starting XI?
Rowan: As I said earlier, our squad is unbalanced and some of our players have seen better days. We are severely lacking in any good, established wingers, with Joe Cole injured and Salamon Kalou and Florent Malouda morphed into a single entity; 'Kalouda', a player with no real ability, no real desire, and no real future at the club!
Therefore, I think we would love to have Ashely Young or Gabriel Agbonlahor, both speedy, talented, young and hungry players who would add a lot to our squad. I wonder if we made a mistake getting rid of Steve Sidwell too...Only joking!
Villa-MAD: How much do you dislike Villa in light of results against us in recent seasons?
Rowan: Less hate, more annoyance and frustration! You are a bogey team and hopefully that ends on Saturday, but we haven't won in ten seasons so the odds should be against us. We had a decent record that was broken this season so maybe it's time for a change!
Villa-MAD: Are you confident of a win on Saturday?
Rowan: If we perform on the day then there's no reason why we can't (win). We seriously outplayed you at the Bridge earlier this season in one of our best games under Scolari, and we've obviously got the potential to play like that again. It will be interesting to see if Hiddink can get us going again, because we sure need something! Three points is vital for either side, but a point may also be just as valuable at Villa Park.
Good Luck!