Aston Villa v Chelsea Match Thread

[paul_e]

I really, really cannot understand why Smith persistently uses probably the most gifted central midfield play in the league where opposition managers would want to see him... out chalking his boots on the left touchline.

Bloody clueless.

I doubt many managers would deploy Grealish out wide.

Does he actually play wide? I don't care where his name is on the teamsheet, is he actually out getting chalk on his boots?  Looking on the heatmap from wednesday I see no evidence that he doesn't have as free role to wander and find space but with a responsibility to look after the opposition right back when we're defending.

yes his starting position is and as you say he has defensive responsibility out there which means he is not as free as many of us would like to see.

Do many players get given no defensive responsilibities though? My point is that I don't think there's any evidence that it has limited his ability to find space nad make things happen.

[Brazilian Villain]

From the Beeb

"A win for the hosts would ensure Villa become just the second team in top-flight history to win a match on all seven days of the week within a season, emulating Tottenham in 1986-87."

Pretty staggering seeing we've only won 6 games so far.

[KRS]

Watching on Now TV...is there any way to turn off the fake crowd noise as it’s way too loud and barely here commentary? I’m selected Sky Sports Main Event but does it matter which of the many Sky Sports channels is selected.

[DB]

Yep, 402 no noise.

[Bad English]

Up the Villa!

[SoccerHQ]

Going to be a long 90 minutes. Chelsea quickly into their stride.

[Risso]

We don't look much cop so far.  This formation isn't much use against a possession team like Chelsea.

[mcgrath_85]

We’re playing a proper team today.

[Mister E]

This is a level of opposition far ahead of Wednesday's. Already, Chelsea look 'on it'

[aev]

Can’t get the ball.

[NorthYvillan]

Watching on Now TV...is there any way to turn off the fake crowd noise as it’s way too loud and barely here commentary? I’m selected Sky Sports Main Event but does it matter which of the many Sky Sports channels is selected.

I think Sky sports Premiere League doesn't have the  crowd noise

[ChicagoLion]

Being given the run around

[hipkiss92]

From the Beeb

"A win for the hosts would ensure Villa become just the second team in top-flight history to win a match on all seven days of the week within a season, emulating Tottenham in 1986-87."

Pretty staggering seeing we've only won 6 games so far.

Pretty sure it includes cup games

[AlexAlexCropley]

Look set up to soak up

[levico]

Is there a Sky Channel which includes Villa getting into the Chelsea half?