Aston Villa v Chelsea Match Thread

[Legion]

Available Saturday afternoon.

[eamonn]

Teams announced yet? This is going to be the most unexperienced side we've fielded in a long time. I've no doubt the players will give their all for Stan in this but with Chelsea finally showing form I fear for us today.

Put it up to them and have no fear, lads.

[timeoutbigbar]

VILLA: Given, Lichaj, Collins, Baker, Warnock, Bannan, Herd, Ireland, Gardner, Weimann, Agbonlahor. #AVFC #SupportStan

Subs: Guzan, Grealish, Heskey, Albrighton, Johnson, Williams, Carruthers. #AVFC #SupportStan

[Monty]

Teams announced yet? This is going to be the most unexperienced side we've fielded in a long time. I've no doubt the players will give their all for Stan in this but with Chelsea finally showing form I fear for us today.

Put it up to them and have no fear, lads.

I'd rather trust the kids to show no fear than the experienced players at the club. Not much point of experience if it's taught you bad habits. 'Mon the Villa wains!

Edit: now that's a team! As long as the players don't keep their shape too rigidly with the ball and move off it, that's more a team I'd like to see.

[Percy McCarthy]

Wow! Come on the Academy!

[ozzjim]

No real width, but Albrighton has been poor of late, wonder if Weimann will be up with Gabby wide. Think it is going to be a really tough ask today, reminds me of the side against United which was so bare through injury. No Cuellar is worrying?

[VillaAlways]

No Cuellar ??....Gulp!!

[manic-road]

That's one hell of a young side, but they will have the hunger.

[SheffieldVillain]

12 Villa academy players out of a squad of 18. In a season which has been shit and seems to be getting shitter, that is at least one reason to be pleased, whatever the result today.

Just give it your best shot boys, that's all you can do. Up and at them and we might just give them a shock.

[berneboy]

Well, if we get a point today it'll be amazing. A very unequal contest.
But we are the Villa.

Come on you Lions!!!!!

[Desi]

BBC Sports


1411:
  Stiliyan Petrov has just arrived at Villa Park with his family. He was waving at fans as he went into the ground and looked in good spirits. Villa supporters plan to show their appreciation for their captain, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia this week, with a tribute in the 19th minute.

[timeoutbigbar]

BBC Sports


1411:
  Stiliyan Petrov has just arrived at Villa Park with his family. He was waving at fans as he went into the ground and looked in good spirits. Villa supporters plan to show their appreciation for their captain, who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia this week, with a tribute in the 19th minute.

Top man.  Hearing that news and then being in a frame of mind to be able to come and give the team his support.

[ozzjim]

I hope with him there it is a fitting tribute, and gives him the overwhelming feeling of support he deserves.

[PaulWinch again]

Come on you Villa boys, and get well soon Stan.

[VillaAlways]

CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Mata, Sturridge, Torres, Kalou. Subs: Turnbull, Essien, Ramires, Malouda, Bosingwa, Cahill, Bertrand