Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[andrew08]

I would like to see Okore in a 3 at the back option with the full backs bombing on when they can. Rest Weimann for this one but bring him on if we're still in it at the death.

[silhillvilla]

Gabby is the only Villa player in Garth Crooks' team of the week, which has 4 MU players. FOUR FFS! BBC's Mancs love-in knows no limits.

"We saw it last season and we're seeing it again: Agbonlahor's blistering pace and power. Paul Lambert described the forward's performance against Arsenal as "unplayable" - but all credit to Arsene Wenger, who didn't moan about the penalty decisions or Laurent Koscielny's sending off."

To paraphrase Liverpool's owner what is Crooks smoking?

Guys, please ignore him. At the end of the day, it's Garth Crooks. Garth Crooks FFS , a man who is clearly insane and should have been sectioned years ago.

[PaulTheVillan]

Narrow Chelsea win, but we'll fight and give it our best shot.

[N'ZMAV]

We'll spoil Mourinho's party.

[Salsa Party Animal]

Saw the betting odd and 9-1 for Villa win so I put two quids down just in case we win

[VillaAlways]

Greetings from a boiling hot Turkey was lovely to land on Saturday and recieve the text that We'd thrashed Arsenal. I'm saying 3-3 on what will be a very entertaining game I will be watching with a few cold efes

[eastie]

Last season we took one point in 30 from the 10 games against the top 5 , already we have trebled that tally on day one , we may not get anything against Chelsea but we will give them a game and with our attack we can cause anyone problems .

Too many times in recent years the top teams have turned us over too easily , you get the feeling this group of players have learnt a lot from last season and will not be rolled over like that again.

[Tuco Salamanca]

I'd be surprised (and very impressed) if we got anything out of this.

We held our shape well against Arsenal but Chelsea will be much more incisive. They also don't have Koscielny playing for them!

I see us scoring but them scoring more.

[Concrete John]

Got round to watching MOTD2 last night and saw how Chelsea were playing.  I know Hull are no great shakes, but they were VERY good early doors and then took their foot off the gas.  I'm unconvinced about their CBs as Cahill can be got at (see how easily Miller turned him for his goal against England) and Terry is aging, plus an utter prick.  Midfield is their strength, so Sylla back to help us compete there would really help.  The wide players like to cut back inside and link up, so whenever possible our FBs should be trying to show them outside and cross to Torres, who's never been great in the air.

[Legion]

I'm pretty sure it was said that Sylla would not be available until Liverpool at the earliest.

[Tuco Salamanca]

I listened to the Arsenal match on the radio and only saw MOTD highlights but El Ahmadi was barely mentioned/seen.

Quietly effective or anonymous?


edit: I'm guessing more of the former actually as Carragher did a piece about our solid midfield shape last night...

[Monty]

Oh quietly effective, definitely. His defensive positioning was great, always in the right place to help stifle their midfield, and he was very competent on the ball as well.

[Tuco Salamanca]

Excellent. We're a little bit light in centre mid so we could do with him coming good.

[eamonn]

Who would you play Sylla instead of, anyway? KEA was fantastic on Saturday. I was ready to write him off but Yacouba wouldn't have been as disciplined in his performance.

Has Jose been licking our arses in the pre-match conference yet? A pity Chelsea played the second half in second gear on Sunday, knowing they had us to come.

[TimTheVillain]

Chelsea are stronger than last season, If we can scramble a point I'd be well chuffed !

But..

1-3 Chelsea I say ..