Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Miguelito]

What was our starting 11 for the 8-0 last year?

I've got a sieve head so not got a clue who played and interested to know how much it will have changed since then....

[Villafirst]

According to the OS Sylla is back from injury - it would be harsh to replace any of the midfield 3 after the performance against Arsenal, but also need to factor in that it will be tough for them to play the type of high intensity pressing game we play three times in a week against top sides this early in the season. Having said that, I'd probably keep the same starting XI, with Clark in for Baker, and then if things are going to plan look to bring Sylla on for El Ahmadi after about 60 minutes to keep up the pressure on their midfielders. Can't see anything other than a defeat, but as others have said that win against Arse has given us the perfect start and we can go into this with the pressure off, so who knows!

Disagree, Sylla will be needed to counter their midfield - he has some power against their players; most of their midfield look small apart from Frank! Need to try and bully them - also I'd play Okore who is also big, powerful and fast.

[London Villan]

22 Guzan
06 Clark
30 Lichaj (Bennett - 56' )
32 Baker
34 Lowton
15 Westwood (Ireland - 56' )
25 Bannan
31 Herd
14 Holman (Bowery - 79' )
20 Benteke
26 Weimann

Possibly the weakest midfield ever to have represented Villa...

[PGW]

226-4 61.5
Kieswetter 100
Barrow 16
Kieswetter dropped on 1,22,74

[Smoke]

This Fixture last years team :


Aston Villa

    22 Guzan
    06 Clark
    30 Lichaj (Bennett - 56' )
    32 Baker
    34 Lowton
    15 Westwood (Ireland - 56' )
    25 Bannan
    31 Herd
    14 Holman (Bowery - 79' )
    20 Benteke
    26 Weimann

Substitutes

    01 Given
    27 Bennett
    07 Ireland
    08 El Ahmadi
    12 Albrighton
    16 Delph
    21 Bowery

[PGW]

226-4 61.5
Kieswetter 100
Barrow 16
Kieswetter dropped on 1,22,74

Sorry - re-posted in correct thread.

[London Villan]

Plenty of games last season when we were bullied out of the game, Bradford being the best example. I'd go for a bit of strength and power in the team. Bacuna and Okore would both start for me.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I hope we do well enough to win and Gaby and Benteke score a goal that will make me a bit richer. Will there be repeat showing of full game on TV like highlight or MOTD

[carlos the third]

According to the OS Sylla is back from injury - it would be harsh to replace any of the midfield 3 after the performance against Arsenal, but also need to factor in that it will be tough for them to play the type of high intensity pressing game we play three times in a week against top sides this early in the season. Having said that, I'd probably keep the same starting XI, with Clark in for Baker, and then if things are going to plan look to bring Sylla on for El Ahmadi after about 60 minutes to keep up the pressure on their midfielders. Can't see anything other than a defeat, but as others have said that win against Arse has given us the perfect start and we can go into this with the pressure off, so who knows!

Disagree, Sylla will be needed to counter their midfield - he has some power against their players; most of their midfield look small apart from Frank! Need to try and bully them - also I'd play Okore who is also big, powerful and fast.

I really like Sylla, and would agree with you normally, but on this occasion I feel Karim should play for a couple of reasons: firstly, he had a really good game at the weekend playing a role similar to what would be required of him tomorrow (as did Clark). What does it say to KEA, Clark and the rest of the squad if they play really well in a great victory and then get dropped for the next game against similar opposition, just because one of the regulars returns from injury? Now that we actually have a decent squad, it is vital that they all feel as though they have a chance of playing if they perform well in training or matches, as that will in turn push those normally in possession of a starting spot to work harder and will improve the quality of our side. Also, Okore (and to a lesser extent Sylla) didn't get much of a pre-season, and so may have doubts over their match fitness. Thus I would be reluctant to bring them in for this match, arguably the hardest one of the season on paper, as they may struggle to find their feet. I trust Lambo's judgement on these things though, and would have no issue if he decided Okore and/or Sylla should start, but personally feel KEA and Clark deserve the nod.

[Miguelito]

22 Guzan
06 Clark
30 Lichaj (Bennett - 56' )
32 Baker
34 Lowton
15 Westwood (Ireland - 56' )
25 Bannan
31 Herd
14 Holman (Bowery - 79' )
20 Benteke
26 Weimann

Possibly the weakest midfield ever to have represented Villa...

So, probably 5 changes from that team... massive improvement though, Midfield being the key. Think Chelsea will still beat us, they looked incredible in that first half hour against Hull. Hopefully we can weather the storm - you just never know, would love a bit of revenge.

[Irish villain]

22 Guzan
06 Clark
30 Lichaj (Bennett - 56' )
32 Baker
34 Lowton
15 Westwood (Ireland - 56' )
25 Bannan
31 Herd
14 Holman (Bowery - 79' )
20 Benteke
26 Weimann

Possibly the weakest midfield ever to have represented Villa...

So, probably 5 changes from that team... massive improvement though, Midfield being the key. Think Chelsea will still beat us, they looked incredible in that first half hour against Hull. Hopefully we can weather the storm - you just never know, would love a bit of revenge.

We were 5-3-2 with Herd in central defence. Amazing what a change of system and a few key personnel can do for a team.

[Villafirst]

22 Guzan
06 Clark
30 Lichaj (Bennett - 56' )
32 Baker
34 Lowton
15 Westwood (Ireland - 56' )
25 Bannan
31 Herd
14 Holman (Bowery - 79' )
20 Benteke
26 Weimann

Possibly the weakest midfield ever to have represented Villa...

So, probably 5 changes from that team... massive improvement though, Midfield being the key. Think Chelsea will still beat us, they looked incredible in that first half hour against Hull. Hopefully we can weather the storm - you just never know, would love a bit of revenge.

Yes, they looked 'incredible' against Hull but they sat far too deep and allowed Chelsea to play a really highline. If they do that against us they'll run the risk of the counter attack. We need to be in their faces from the off - Arsenal didn't like it. Play as strong team as possible with the likes of Okore and Sylla to try and bully them. It's not impossible to win at the Bridge, but QPR of all teams went there and won 1-0 last season; and they got relegated.

[Salsa Party Animal]

and we got Tony Moon, Concrete Ron and Gabriel and Delph so this would give more energy.

[Villafirst]

and we got Tony Moon, Concrete Ron and Gabriel and Delph so this would give more energy.

Not forgetting the 'Beast'!

[olaftab]

Is the match being shown live tomorrow? (in this country before anyone says yes in Dubai etc)