Chelsea v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Gareth]

Sinclair's lightweight performance against Stoke was so impotent that it succeeded in making me want Gabby back in on Sat.  I'm getting more and more frustrated with the amount of players we have that can't / won't put in a challenge- the old adage that you defend from the front is what I hope they have been working on in the 2wk holiday, getting 3yds from the ball and wafting a leg is not acceptable, they have to put in a challenge and make passing the ball more difficult.  We are too easy to play against because we have so little physicality.

Team of wimps with a losing mentality & a fan base who quite rightly have a level of expectation which is criminally not matched by anyone who owns or is employed by the club....what could possibly go wrong?!?

[mallo]

We might scare them early on with a last spirited fight for Sherwood and 'his' players, but ultimately it will be the kick start Chelsea needed and Costas confidence boost to getting back on the scoresheet. Chelsea to walk away 3-1 and buzzing.

[ktvillan]

Sadly I suspect we will continue in our role as the ideal team to play when you are in a slump and desperately in need of a morale boosting win (see recent Liverpool game).  4-1 Chelsea with our sole consolation deflecting in off Ivanovic's recently acquired clown shoes from a speculative 84 yard shot by Bacuna.

[Clampy]

I'd bring Gabby back in then, as I think we need mobility and speed against these.

Agreed they've looked leggy at the back with Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic this season. The striker through the middle needs to be pacey, Gabby or maybe a gamble on Ayew up there again.

 
Those reveling at the prospect of a big defeat being good may want to spare a thought for those of us who paid £50.00 for a ticket and who will be making a 420 mile round trip to see us play.

This. You have my upmost respect.

[Tony Erdington]

Dont think we will be last on MOTD

[not3bad]

The writing is on the wall for both managers.  A Chelsea win but not a convincing one, which will do neither of them any good.

[Chris Jameson]

4-1 Chelsea with our sole consolation deflecting in off Ivanovic's recently acquired clown shoes from a speculative 84 yard shot by Bacuna.

That's a ridiculous suggestion. Only because Ivanovic is injured.

[Tony Erdington]

4-1 Chelsea with our sole consolation deflecting in off Ivanovic's recently acquired clown shoes from a speculative 84 yard shot by Bacuna.

That's a ridiculous suggestion. Only because Ivanovic is injured.

LOL

[Lobsterboy]

Sherwood will no doubt embrace this new attacking philosophy and play 4-2-4 which will see us getting absolutely mullered 4-1

I expect he will go Guzan/Bacuna/Amavi/Richards/Lescott/Westwood/Gueye/Adama/N'Zogbia/Agbonlahor/Gestete

[Ron Manager]

Its amazing how many of us think 4-1 will be the final score. Must pop into my local turf accountant and see what odds are available on that score.

[somec]

Its amazing how many of us think 4-1 will be the final score. Must pop into my local turf accountant and see what odds are available on that score.

Strangely I dreamt that we lost this 2-1 having lead 1-0 at half time.

Our goalscorer? Gary Cahill was playing for us in my dream and nodded in the opener for us.

I have never had such a specific dream about a scoreline, so maybe I should put on a wager?

I can't bet against us but could still have a punt on Cahill as first scorer!

[Witton Warrior]

I am conflicted by wanting something to happen so we change manager (OK a defeat - there I've said it) and to actually win a match - even under TSM2 I never wanted us to lose to cost him his job, I just want the Villa to win! Sometime soon!

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

If we don't win or lose I can see us nicking a point here.
Is Tambling playing ?

[Ron Manager]

If we don't win or lose I can see us nicking a point here.
Is Tambling playing ?

Charlie Aitken must be hoping he isn't!!

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

If we don't win or lose I can see us nicking a point here.
Is Tambling playing ?

Charlie Aitken must be hoping he isn't!!

Sherwood will probably put Hateley at left back and play Charlie up front !