Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 27, 2011, 11:25:24 AM

Title: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on December 27, 2011, 11:25:24 AM
2-2 draw

Gabby 12
Mata 35
Drogba 67
N'Zogbia 85

Guzan
Cuellar
Dunne
Collins
Warnock
Petrov
Albrighton
Clark
N'Zogbia
Ireland/Bent (fitness dependent)
Agbonlahor

Marshall
Hutton
Bannan
Delfouneso
Bannan
Gardner
Ireland/Weimann (dependent on Bent's fitness)
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on December 27, 2011, 11:32:23 AM
1-0
Late Bent Winner
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Greg N'Ash on December 27, 2011, 11:34:10 AM
Don't ask me why but i think we'll get something from this. 1-1.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on December 27, 2011, 11:34:24 AM
2-0 Villa.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 27, 2011, 11:40:12 AM
Chelsea 5 Villa 5

(Lampard 37, 63, 81 (pen), Mata 44, Terry 88)
(Bent 23, Agbonlahor 30, Clark 55, Petrov 78, Albrighton 90+4).
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on December 27, 2011, 11:52:05 AM
You lot have all been on the pop this Christmas.

Chelsea 3-0 Villa.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: nigel on December 27, 2011, 12:19:01 PM
You lot have all been on the pop this Christmas.

Chelsea 3-0 Villa.
We can hope and remain positive Tom.
We tend to do okay vrs Chelsea.
They were apparently "Tired" against Fulham, if we can play with the same mindset as against Arsenal we could come back with something
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on December 27, 2011, 12:38:54 PM
There's been real signs of us playing decent football in the last couple of games - we were unlucky to get zilch from the Arsenal game and even last night even Collins seemed to be able to resist his 'hoof at all costs' instincts. As long as AM doesn't go for a Spurs-like damage limitation line-up we'll do infinitely better than the 7-1 thumping we got down there last year, and if we play like we did against Arse we'll get at least a draw like we did last season. I've gone for 2-2.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on December 27, 2011, 12:53:41 PM
No chance. 0-3
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on December 27, 2011, 01:46:06 PM
A semi respectable 2-0 defeat with both goals in the second half. They look better at the back now. A month ago I'd have really fancied our fwds to exploit their very high line.

I think we'll be risking it to play 442, so it's bent or albrighton in the front 3, Ireland in midfield and Hutton for Collins, in my view.

I like herd, but I doubt it's a coincidence that we've started passing the ball with more composure since Clark moved into midfield. Herd doesn't seem to be able to step back and read the game in the same way as Clark.

Guzan - Hutton, cuellar, dunne, warnock - petrov, Clark - albrighton, Ireland, n'zogbia - agbonlahor

Marshall, Collins, delph, bannan, Gardner, delfouneso, weimann
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JJ-AV on December 27, 2011, 01:51:22 PM
Routine defeat where we don't score.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on December 27, 2011, 01:57:33 PM
We wont lose 7 - 1 that's the only thing I'm certain off.

1-1
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: luke25 on December 27, 2011, 02:03:16 PM
2-0 Chelsea.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on December 27, 2011, 02:09:50 PM
There appears to be the start of something in the last two games.  Hopefully this can continue against Chelsea:

-----------------Guzan---------------------
Herd----Cuellar------Dunne----Warnock
-----------Clark-------Petrov--------------
-----Nzog-----Bannan-----Gabby--------
------------------Bent----------------------
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on December 27, 2011, 04:34:14 PM
2-0 to them.  Bastards
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Newquay_AVFC on December 27, 2011, 05:33:45 PM
2-1 Villa, Dunne and Bent
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: MarkM on December 27, 2011, 05:36:34 PM
3-0 Chelsea

I can't see us scoring
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Aston Manor on December 27, 2011, 06:10:19 PM
Its more likely that we'll lose than not, but I don't think a draw is beyond us. Bad result for us with them drawing yesterday as they will be fired up to not repeat that poor performance - or result.

3-0.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: KRS on December 27, 2011, 07:36:59 PM
Quite simply Chelski are due are win after a few bad results.
2-0 Chelski.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on December 27, 2011, 07:44:48 PM
We'll lose 1-0 but put up a bit of a fight.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Witton Warrior on December 27, 2011, 07:46:37 PM
a thunderous gut-busting 0-0

Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on December 27, 2011, 07:47:38 PM
1-1 Nzogbia to finally score
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Irish villain on December 27, 2011, 07:48:52 PM
We should be looking for a point. We're well capable. Even without Heskey.

1-1, Bent for us, who cares about them.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on December 27, 2011, 08:08:43 PM
3-0 Villa win. Heskey to answer his critics in the best possible wa.....................
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: levico on December 27, 2011, 08:27:32 PM
Has to be a Chelsea victory I'm afraid. Only wish it could be otherwise.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tarzansbrother on December 27, 2011, 08:29:18 PM
Chelsea 1 Villa 2.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Damo70 on December 27, 2011, 08:33:43 PM
On the one hand not beating Fulham should fire Chelsea up. On the other hand, the pressure is on them to get three points which could work for or against us. Plus, our big summer signing appears to be coming good. No prediction of the result though, I'm fence sitting on this one.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brian Taylor on December 27, 2011, 08:47:50 PM
We wont lose 7 - 1 that's the only thing I'm certain off.

1-1

Anything less will be OK with me but scaling back I know it won't be 0-0, especially if we mimic the dustbin, non-running off the ball, style we played in last night's game!
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: petegoldring on December 27, 2011, 10:51:23 PM
I think we probably could have played all night against stoke and not scored. We also looked alot better at the back.

I think this will probably be a 1-0 loss with them scoring from a corner - probably that bastard Terry.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on December 27, 2011, 11:08:13 PM
-------------Guzan
Hutton-Cuellar-Dunne-Warnock
-----Petrol-Ireland-Clark
--Albrighton-Gabby-N'Zogbia

We should go at them like we did against Arsenal, Bent is off IMO and won't play for us again.

0-1 N'Zogbia free kick after Luiz is sent off for bringing Gabby down.

UTV
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TaxDodger on December 28, 2011, 12:40:44 AM
1-3. Terry 72. Albrighton 74, Agbonlahor 89, 90.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaSpen on December 28, 2011, 03:20:55 AM
We've shown promising signs of improvement in the last two games but we're looking about as toothless as I can remember. Chelsea seem to have beaten Manchester City and assumed that they've done enough until after Xmas so I'm expecting a backlash from them.

Chelsea 2-0.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on December 28, 2011, 05:16:32 AM
dont think we will be beaten to be honest. chelsea looked a rabble against fulham and we are starting to look solid. Big call at centre half but its cuellar over collins for me. mcleish will defo play hutton.

guzan
hutton, cuellar, dunne, warnock
--------Petrov, Clark--------
-----------Ireland-------------
Nzogbia, Bent, Gabby

If herd is fit Id say he will come back in.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: darren woolley on December 28, 2011, 08:42:56 AM
3-0 to Chelsea.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on December 28, 2011, 09:03:40 AM
Chelsea 3-0 Villa

Comedy defending part 14.

Guzan
Hutton Cuellar Dunne Warnock
Albrighton Petrov Clark NZogbia
Gabby Bent


Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on December 28, 2011, 09:39:49 AM
[quote author=brontebilly link=topic=45651.msg1938011#msg1938011 date=
guzan
hutton, cuellar, dunne, warnock
--------Petrov, Clark--------
-----------Ireland-------------
Nzogbia, Bent, Gabby
[/quote]

I agree. Albrighton in if bent not fit. Collins seems to be playing with an injury and we need mobility against Chelsea. I'd keep Clark ahead of herd as he keeps the ball better.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on December 28, 2011, 09:42:32 AM
With 2 games in 3 days he might have to consider rotating the squad to keep them fresh. The pragmatic thing to do would be to rest a few at Chelsea to concentrate on the more obviously winnable game on Monday.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on December 28, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
With 2 games in 3 days he might have to consider rotating the squad to keep them fresh. The pragmatic thing to do would be to rest a few at Chelsea to concentrate on the more obviously winnable game on Monday.

And could you imagine the stick he'd get if he did that?
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on December 28, 2011, 10:01:41 AM
I also thought about rotating, but we do have 4 free days up to then, and Hutton, bent, Ireland, Collins won't play 3 in a row.

It might be worth not risking bent, and then bringing him in for the Swansea game? Albrighton should be relatively fresh too. One option would be to risk leaving petrov out v Swansea but I'm not sure I'd risk bannan Ireland or delph in a 2 man midfield.

Given swansea's style we might not want to play 442 anyway - we've seen how that works against Wigan, who play a similar style and formation, at villa park in recent years.

So how about Ireland, Clark, bannan - albrighton / n'zogbia bent gabby?

Against Chelsea, petrov would play not bannan, and both wingers would play with gabby up top?
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on December 28, 2011, 10:09:06 AM
With 2 games in 3 days he might have to consider rotating the squad to keep them fresh. The pragmatic thing to do would be to rest a few at Chelsea to concentrate on the more obviously winnable game on Monday.

Whilst i see the reasoning behind the suggestion, that would send out the wrong message. Fulham went there and got a point, so i'm sure we can as well.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 28, 2011, 10:10:19 AM
Chelsea are vulnerable, we could beat them with the right attitude.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on December 28, 2011, 10:12:59 AM
I think 5 in midfield is the way to go at Chelsea, so I'd be looking at the same team, but with Ireland or Bannan in for Heskey.

Then at Swansea we go back to 4-4-2 with (hopefully) Bent back upfront.   
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mrfuse on December 28, 2011, 10:15:12 AM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.

Only one did we have a go at and the Chelsea game calls for exactly the same kind of spirit, we know they have defensive frailties and many teams have proved they can be upset this year.

Dont get me wrong they still have great players like Sturridge and Mata but I really think if we have a go like we did against Arsenal we could get at least a point.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TimTheVillain on December 28, 2011, 10:24:37 AM
4-1 Chelsea

We're vulnerable in the areas where Chelsea are strong - not least set pieces.

Drogba will get 2.

Jabuary will be better....
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Irish villain on December 28, 2011, 11:12:00 AM
Clark is better in midfield than Herd. I think, long term, Herd will be a right back.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on December 28, 2011, 11:20:25 AM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.


There's an argument to be made for the other 2 but 14 wins from 18, 45 points and a plus 33 goal difference suggest that rumours of Manu's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Title: Chavski
Post by: cdbearsfan on December 28, 2011, 12:01:15 PM
I wouldn't be amazed if we do a Blackpool/Wolves and rest loads of players ahead of the Swansea game. Think this site might explode if we do though.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rick_avfc on December 28, 2011, 12:09:59 PM
im going for a Chelsea win: 2-1.  Mata,Drogba and Albrighton for us.

Line up i'd go for is

                 Guzan
Hutton  Dunne   Cuellar   Warnock
             Petrov  Clark   
            Ireland OR Bannan
Nzogbia                       Gabby
                   Bent           
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on December 28, 2011, 12:19:11 PM
Is Hutton available or still banned?
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Aston Manor on December 28, 2011, 12:33:20 PM
Not sure whether he is banned or not but I wouldn't change the back 4 after a rare clean sheet.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rick_avfc on December 28, 2011, 12:37:52 PM
Is Hutton available or still banned?

He will be available as you only serve one match ban for 2 bookable offences.  He missed the stoke game so will be available for the trip to Chelski
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on December 28, 2011, 12:43:13 PM
I'd play him then and revert Carlos to CB.

Given the threat Stoke pose it made sense to play three CBs and have Heskey playing also, but now we should try and get back to the team that played so well against Arsenal as much as possible.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mrfuse on December 28, 2011, 12:56:34 PM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.


There's an argument to be made for the other 2 but 14 wins from 18, 45 points and a plus 33 goal difference suggest that rumours of Manu's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

I take your point but I think they've been very lucky so far, worst central midfield that i can remember in their recent history our game against them showed how poor they and we were!...although Jones is a good player I do class him as a defender. I hope Clark can be our own version
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on December 28, 2011, 01:59:10 PM
I wouldn't particularly like to see Mata vs. Hutton.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paulcomben on December 28, 2011, 04:07:20 PM
I wouldn't be amazed if we do a Blackpool/Wolves and rest loads of players ahead of the Swansea game. Think this site might explode if we do though.

Impossible since there are no viable replacements.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on December 28, 2011, 04:29:16 PM
Go at em with the 2nd half team we played at the Arse game.   That way we stand a chance of at least a point.  Comprimise and we will lose and play shit.  They are not the Chelsea team of a couple of years ago.  Resting players to face Swansea is a disgrace.  Don't start thinking like AM!!
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Steve R on December 28, 2011, 05:06:34 PM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.


There's an argument to be made for the other 2 but 14 wins from 18, 45 points and a plus 33 goal difference suggest that rumours of Manu's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

It's not every year you see them slumming it in the EUFA cup, and its not as if they were playing in a group of death in the EC.

Their domestic record is more a reflection of an overall decline in PL standards than anything.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: l_mckay on December 28, 2011, 05:53:01 PM
going for a 3-1 Chelsea win
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on December 28, 2011, 06:24:42 PM
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 28, 2011, 07:48:42 PM
Think we'll lose this 2 or 3-0.

Can't see us creating much down there and despite their problems, Sturridge, Mata and Drogba will cause our defence loads of problems.

Not too bothered as long as we beat Swansea. Beating them and losing at the Bridge gets us more points anyway than two battling draws....not that McLeish will see it that way.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on December 28, 2011, 08:10:20 PM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.


There's an argument to be made for the other 2 but 14 wins from 18, 45 points and a plus 33 goal difference suggest that rumours of Manu's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

It's not every year you see them slumming it in the EUFA cup, and its not as if they were playing in a group of death in the EC.

Their domestic record is more a reflection of an overall decline in PL standards than anything.

Without doubt. Outside the top six, it is a very very poor league.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on December 28, 2011, 09:17:35 PM
That puts a fat smile on my face eveytime I hear Stan's celebration.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on December 28, 2011, 11:24:23 PM
Bent will be fit for the Chelsea game as no new injury has been found after a scan. According to the Daily Mail. Think he is due a goal. Hope Mcleish keeps Cuellar at the back after a clean sheet against Stoke .....
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on December 29, 2011, 03:29:49 AM
Chelsea 2 - 0 Villa, booooooooo
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on December 29, 2011, 08:37:11 AM
Once again another "Top" Team which I dont think are currently all that, I include in that list Man Utd, liverpool and Arsenal.


There's an argument to be made for the other 2 but 14 wins from 18, 45 points and a plus 33 goal difference suggest that rumours of Manu's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

It's not every year you see them slumming it in the EUFA cup, and its not as if they were playing in a group of death in the EC.

Their domestic record is more a reflection of an overall decline in PL standards than anything.

Yet Chelsea and Arsenal who are still in the CL are beneath them in the league so I'm not sure that argument stacks up.

The original assertion was that they're "not all that" in this league when results and the table show something entirely different. I think the drubbing by Man City has clouded everyone's thinking.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on December 29, 2011, 08:47:12 AM
2-1 to us, just to give Stanley Victor a chance go off on one again. ;D
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: old man villa fan on December 29, 2011, 10:48:10 AM
I would love to see us get something out of this game.  More of a chance if Lampard plays from the start as they look better without him.

I worry about Torres finally hitting form (and Villa usually provide perfect opposition for out of form players).

2-0 home win.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on December 29, 2011, 01:28:48 PM
Got a feeling McLeish will rest Bent and make sure he's 100% for the Swansea game.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on December 29, 2011, 01:35:17 PM
Narrow 2-1 defeat but another encouraging display of actual football.  Would possibly start with Bent up top, Gabby and Marc wide and CNZ in behind the striker.  Something like:

                                    Guzan

    Hutton         Cuellar           Dunne          Warnock


                        Petrov           Clark

      Albrighton                                 Agbonlahor

                                CNZ

                                       Bent
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on December 29, 2011, 03:47:50 PM
0-0
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 29, 2011, 04:11:25 PM
Them 3 Us 1. Sturridge 3, Dunne.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Steve R on December 29, 2011, 05:16:27 PM
...


Yet Chelsea and Arsenal who are still in the CL are beneath them in the league so I'm not sure that argument stacks up.

The original assertion was that they're "not all that" in this league when results and the table show something entirely different. I think the drubbing by Man City has clouded everyone's thinking.

The actual strength of the best league in the world would be a discussion worthy of it's own title, rather than in a soon to be buried match thread.
 
Qualify or otherwise I wouldn't take Chelsea's or Arsenal's performances - home or abroad - as anything of a benchmark of quality.

The original assertion was 'not all that'; adding 'in this league' merely supports the notion of a very poor PL generally.

They've looked very ordinary in quite a few games this season, including the one a VP.

If they really are 'all that' I'm glad we won't have to face Basel or Benfica any time soon. 
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villanation on December 29, 2011, 07:56:12 PM
Chelsea to take this one, Bent is due at least a goal, unfortunately Torres is due a deluge.

Can't see anything other than defeat here.

Swansea game is way more important.

 
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Vanilla on December 29, 2011, 08:03:56 PM
Villa's knack of being generous to strikers going through barren spells will probably see a 3-0 to yelsea, with Torres to bag the lot. 
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: gervilla on December 29, 2011, 10:12:09 PM
Heskey is out.
We're gonna win this.
3-0 to us.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Villan On The Wirral on December 30, 2011, 07:29:27 AM
3-0 Chelsea

I can't see us scoring

(ever again)
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on December 30, 2011, 10:10:15 AM
...


Yet Chelsea and Arsenal who are still in the CL are beneath them in the league so I'm not sure that argument stacks up.

The original assertion was that they're "not all that" in this league when results and the table show something entirely different. I think the drubbing by Man City has clouded everyone's thinking.

The actual strength of the best league in the world would be a discussion worthy of it's own title, rather than in a soon to be buried match thread.
 
Qualify or otherwise I wouldn't take Chelsea's or Arsenal's performances - home or abroad - as anything of a benchmark of quality.

The original assertion was 'not all that'; adding 'in this league' merely supports the notion of a very poor PL generally.

They've looked very ordinary in quite a few games this season, including the one a VP.

If they really are 'all that' I'm glad we won't have to face Basel or Benfica any time soon. 

Right, so you don't take Arsenal or Chelsea's CL performance as a benchmark but you do take Manu's. There is no arguing with that sort of flexible logic.

It's not their best team ever but it is better than the one that won the league last season and despite Man City wining all the plaudits they are neck and neck with them.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on December 30, 2011, 10:37:57 AM
3-1 chelsea .   Torres , you just know it
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on December 30, 2011, 11:12:37 AM
and Heskey is out ......
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on December 30, 2011, 11:17:48 AM
Hutton is available again, isn't he?  I'd go with:-

Guzan (when is Given back?)

Hutton
Cuellar
Dunne
Warnock

Albrighton
Clark
Petrov
Bannan
N'Zogbia

Gabby

Although I think 4-5-1 is the way to go against Chelsea, I'd be tempted to play Bent if fit for Bannan in a 4-4-2.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: barrysleftfoot on December 30, 2011, 04:04:43 PM


  If Herd and Bent are fit.


   Guzan...looking good

  Hutton.....better than he is given credit for, not the brightest but generally his pace can make up for his mistakes.
  Cuellar....much better than Collins
  Dunne...ok but needs replacing asap.
  Warnock....no body else.


  Herd and Clark as defensive midfielders, Clark for me a future captain, both have energy, and try to keep the ball.Could be a good partnership.


  Gabby, on the right.Cashley Cole can't handle him, Ireland in the middle, the only player at the club who really knows how to play off a foward, and N'Zog on the left.

 Bent up front.


Play that team, and i believe we will give a good account of ourselves.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on December 30, 2011, 04:22:16 PM
and Heskey is out ......

Damn, yet another opportunity missed for him to answer his critics in the best possible way.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Apyadg on December 30, 2011, 05:10:15 PM
and Heskey is out ......

Damn, yet another opportunity missed for him to answer his critics in the best possible way.

I can't think of a better way for Heskey to answer his critics than by missing the game.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JD on December 30, 2011, 11:58:03 PM
and Heskey is out ......

A win for Villa then.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 31, 2011, 12:06:40 AM
i really think we'll miss Emile.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on December 31, 2011, 12:07:29 AM
Yeah. Noone to laugh at.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on December 31, 2011, 02:28:55 AM
He scored a header in that barnstorming 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge last season (New Year's Day was it? How come we always play these ****** around this time?) and played well at Stoke the other night. Can't believe I'm saying it but I think we could very well miss Gentle Ben tomorrow.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on December 31, 2011, 09:09:30 AM
If falling over was an art form, Emile Heskey would be the Michaelangelo of it.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on December 31, 2011, 12:14:37 PM
He ... played well at Stoke the other night.
You think so?! He had the touch of a rapist and pass-quality of a one-legged gumby but - apart from that - I'd have to agree with you.

2-2 today.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Eigentor on December 31, 2011, 12:32:16 PM
i really think we'll miss Emile.

You're right. Every good thing he does, goes unnoticed, and every mistake is jumped upon. (Of course, part of the problem is that some of his mistakes are very eye-catching.)

As for today, I think a draw is on the cards: 1-1.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pooligan on December 31, 2011, 12:41:51 PM
We wont miss Heskeys goals for sure,he never scores any .
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Irish villain on December 31, 2011, 01:02:13 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Vanilla on December 31, 2011, 01:10:08 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.

I wish there were a lot of players in claret and blue shirts today, rather than those actually wearing them.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: KRS on December 31, 2011, 01:35:57 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.
Surely thats just to soften the blow after hes murdered our defence all afternoon (if he plays). If he loves Villa so much, I wonder if he'll celebrate if he scores.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Irish villain on December 31, 2011, 01:53:15 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.
Surely thats just to soften the blow after hes murdered our defence all afternoon (if he plays). If he loves Villa so much, I wonder if he'll celebrate if he scores.

Agent Sturridge? Maybe he'll score an own goal?!
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: spangley1812 on December 31, 2011, 02:10:08 PM
Villa v Chelsea: Guzan, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, N’Zogbia, Petrov, Clark, Albrighton, Ireland, Agbonlahor. Subs: Marshall, Bannan, Hutton, Weimann, Gardner, Delfouneso, Bent.
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on December 31, 2011, 02:10:38 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.

What did he say?
Title: Re: Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: FiveKenMcNaughts on December 31, 2011, 02:24:40 PM
Getting a lot of tweets about Sturridge more or less speaking of his love for Aston Villa....it's a real shame he's not in a claret and blue shirt today.

What did he say?

He talked about his time in as a kid at Villa. How he loved Paul Merson and tried to copy the way he passed the ball with the outside of his right boot....

He also talked of the great players Villa had at the time, including Ugo Ehiogu, George Boateng and Steve Stone

I couldn't help but chuckle
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