Aston Villa vs Chelsea pre match - March 4th 7.30pm

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Any references to Alysson starting shows how much we’ve been struggling. That’s not a criticism of him, but he’s had the smallest of cameos where he’s shown a bit of promise. That’s great, but that translating to him starting a game of this importance shows it’s been really poor.

I think based of what I've seen, mainly in highlights videos, Alysson would be up for serious consideration not so much for his attacking talent but for his defensive duties.  The lad's not afraid to put a shift in, track back and help the defence out. What he can do with the ball on the front foot is open to question but right now I'd bet his overall contribution is way higher than either Sancho or Bailey.

      Martinez
Cash.  Konsa Pau Maatsen
     Onana Bogarde
            Luiz
Rogers              Alysson
         Tammy

Of the three midfielders selected I trust Bogarde the most. Onana and Dougie need to step up their game a level or three. I'd be half tempted to bring in Barkley in the Luiz role but not sure he has the legs for it. It would be more box to box than a jogging back 10. Whatever team we put out tomorrow night they'll all need to fight like their lives depend on it. Do that and we'll take all three points.

[dorsetvillian]

If Onana had Bogarde and Dougie with him  in a three it would hopefully allow him the play with more freedom.

[Beard82]

I like Rudy's team

[Beard82]

If, and I think its a huge if, we can win this - it would be a massive result when we really need it. 

[Richard E]

Seize the bloody moment Villa, just this once!

[JUAN PABLO]

come on now villa with the red scousers losing , come on......

[PaulWinch again]

Seize the bloody moment Villa, just this once!

Indeed - another opportunity presents itself.

[eamonn]

The players must be lifted both by Liverpool losing but also that Wolves beat them, and our defeat there doesn't mean we're hopeless.

[Des Little]

I’m sorry but I don’t trust us one bit right now. Hope I’m very wrong.

[Goldenballs]

The place will be rocking, need a fast start (lol) and crowd will be right up for it.

I'd 100% take a draw though, we're horseshit without Kamara.

[PhilVill]

Yet again, an opportunity has presented itself to put distance between us and the chasers. If there's genuine leaders in that team, now is the time to stand up and be counted.

[ChicagoLion]

I like Rudy's team

Yes, we need that extra body in midfield.

[PhilVill]

I love Rudys team, shame it won't be anything like that though.

[Steve67]

              Martinez
Cash. Konsa. Mings. Maatsen
         Luiz.      Onana
Sancho.  Barkley.    Rogers
             Abraham

Only for two reasons, 4 ex-Chelsea players with a point to prove. Lots of height with Mings, Onana and Abraham as we can cause them issues with set pieces.  The midfield three is interchangeable. Come on Villa, please!!

[PaulWinch again]

No to Mings, because the thing we have to do is create more above all else. Clearly didn’t work the other night, but we have a much better chance of doing that if Pau plays. Our best team has Pau in it, he has to play.