Chelsea vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread - December 28th - 5.30pm

[Uknowthescore]

A hat trick of 3-0 wins with a hat trick for Watkins

[algy]

Them 0-9 Us.
Konsa (5), Hause (3), Watkins (1) the goalscorers.

[RamboandBruno]

Shades of Christmas 89. 3-0 on Boxing Day followed by a victorious trip to Stamford Bridge.

2-1 Villa I hope.

Remember it well, hammered Man U 3-0  at home Boxing Day, beat Arsenal 2-1 at home a few days later, then on New Year’s Day went down to Chelsea and humped them 3-0, Daley, platt and Ormondroyd from memory. I was only 15 and my older brother who is a chelsea fan, got me a ticket to the away end and drove, met me after and drove us home in a fowl mood, seem to remember Liverpool drawing away at forest later that day and it really seemed like the league title could be on.
For tomorrow, let’s not under estimate Chelsea, they are not playing great but have talent Throughout the team, but then so do we. I’d be happy with a draw, a win and I’d start to think something special might be on. A defeat would be gutted as always but not distraught.
For me the most interesting thing is the centre back partnership. Mings has made some gaffs this season but is still one of our leaders on the pitch. Hause has done really well but I do think that Burnley, wba and to a certain extent palace have played to his strengths a little bit by hitting high long balls into the box. Chelsea will play it on the floor, he’s not brilliant with the ball at his feet so hope he’s not exposed. Also Martinez likes to roll the ball out to Mings and Konsa, I’m less comfortable with the idea of hause playing this way.
However we’re on a roll, same team, 1-3 villa (Watkins 2, El Ghazi).

[Toronto Villa]

There was a newspaper with headline Blue Murder at The Bridge. A picture of Platt arms stretched in celebration. That was such a good side.

[Andy Poole]

There was a newspaper with headline Blue Murder at The Bridge. A picture of Platt arms stretched in celebration. That was such a good side.

There was nearly Claret and Blue murder! No idea how but 3 of us got there at 10.30. Parked up and did our usual trick of going to the away end turnstiles then walking away to the first pub we came to. The Black Rose I think it was called. No one on the door and empty as you like. We settled around a pool table. a few beers in and the pub is filling up. It's not Villa. There are bouncers on the door and it's members only.
We had no colours on but with little pin badges and strong Brummie accents we soon got noticed. 2 lads approached and gave us warnings but we ignored them. I then went to the bar. I was surrounded and told to leave. Either we walk out or are thrown out. A tactical retreat was made at about 1pm. Gubbing them 3 nil was ace after that. Great days really... Found it easier to sit in the Snugs at the front of the Boleyn at West Ham without getting noticed!

Anyway. Another clean sheet and 3 points. Chelsea are fragile.

[Richard E]

FIFA 21 predicts a 2-1 defeat, I’m afraid. Ziyech puts them in front, Jack equalises with a brilliant solo goal after 79 minutes but in the 94th minute (despite only 2 minutes being added on) Giroud nods home the winner from a corner. Martinez saves a first half penalty.

[Lastfootstamper]

Is Ziyech likely to play? He only returned to training on Friday.

[PaulWinch again]

Hope not he’s excellent.

[Richard E]

FIFA wouldn’t lie to me.

[KevinGage]

There was a newspaper with headline Blue Murder at The Bridge. A picture of Platt arms stretched in celebration. That was such a good side.

Chelsea Power Show

[Pat Mustard]

2-0 Villa - Watkins with both, the second of which hits the net with such force that it rips the goalposts clean out of the ground.

[Lastfootstamper]

From Sky...
Hakim Ziyech (hamstring) will still be missing and it remains to be seen if full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James feature having both passed late tests to start against the Gunners as the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz push for recalls.

[tomd2103]

We should be going into these next few games full of confidence and with no fear of any side in this league. 

[eamonn]

4-4. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Barry did take the penalty.

[SoccerHQ]

From Sky...
Hakim Ziyech (hamstring) will still be missing and it remains to be seen if full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James feature having both passed late tests to start against the Gunners as the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz push for recalls.

They'll make changes for sure given how they played v Arsenal. Think Giroud starting is certainty and likes of Havertz and Jorginho aswell.