Aston Villa v Chelsea Pre-Match Thread

[Pete3206]

I predict that Mcleish will regard our latest drubbing as an encouraging performance and will state that he didn't see or hear the absolute shit storm that's going to rain down on him.

Oh, and Heskey will play again.
 

[villadelph]

Not a chance we win this. Torres will score more than once. Anxious supporters and a delusional concept of "going for it" will see us lose 3-1.

We need our longer-tenured members to screw their heads back on. Gabby, are you going to show up for this one? You bitch all year about being on the outside, you go atop and you're irrelevant against a dire defense. Marc, grow up and make an impact this weekend.

I hate us.

[JD]

2-1 to Villa. After all it's only Chelsea, they're rubbish

[cheltenhamlion]

Draw. No idea why but utterly convinced it will be the case.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Despite my head telling me we'll lose, i'll still whack a bet on 1-1.

[Rick_avfc]

0-3 to Chelsea.  All goals from set pieces as a result of drogba diving like he is at the olympic games.  Crowd will boo at half time and full time with chants of "MCLEISH OUT!" ringing around Villa Park.

[Mark H]

0-2 - we will make lip service to trying then roll over and make silly mistakes to let in 2 at least

[Chris Jameson]

Another 4-4.

Heskey and Torres to score 4 each.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

Another 4-4.

Heskey and Torres to score 4 each.

I'll have a pint of what you're drinking.

5-1 to the Villa.

[Dave Clark Five]

Weimann and Gardner to start. Albrighton managing to get crosses into the box instead of far touch line. Collins, Weimann (2) and Gardner the scorers in 'lucky' 4-0 win.

[villanic]

Chelsea are poor but we'll make them look world class. 3-1 Chelsea.

[UK Redsox]

0-3 Torres hat-trick

[Concrete John]

Draw. No idea why but utterly convinced it will be the case.

I feel much the same.

1-1 with Gabby getting ours.

[Chris Jameson]

Another 4-4.

Heskey and Torres to score 4 each.

I'll have a pint of what you're drinking.

5-1 to the Villa.

I like that scoreline. Heskey with all 5 and Torres with the Chelsea goal.

[Merv]

I think we'll respond a bit like the Arsenal home game earlier in the season; we'll give it a go and improve but Chelsea's edge in quality will see them win it 2-1.

Hutton and N'Zogbia (a month) both out now, by the way. I'd seriously consider a compact 4-4-2 for this one, keep Chelsea's midfield busy:

Given

Lichaj Collins Cuellar Warnock

Gardner Herd Ireland Bannan

            Weimann Agbonlahor

For a tweak on that, swap Gardner for Albrighton, who plays wider.