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

[RamboandBruno]

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.

100%

[Halfway to Moseley]

Absolutely massive game now. If we win I think we’re there, as even if we drop points over the coming games we’ll have enough of a cushion until Youri and McGinn come back. I feel sick already.

[brontebilly]

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.

Agreed, it's not the night for Mings. That selection would just scream we have a lack of leadership in the team (we do!) and to hell with the tactical consequences.

[TheToffnar]

Surprised how many tickets are left for tonight. Thought it would have been a nailed on sell out by now.

[aj2k77]

What a boost it would be for the run in tonight if we were to turn these over. This feels like a genuine must not lose game.

[PaulWinch again]

Liverpool had exactly the same issue we did against Wolves, because they did the same thing - play really slowly and without intent. It is so important we shake that off, because any top flight side can easily defend against it.

[Chris Smith]

What a boost it would be for the run in tonight if we were to turn these over. This feels like a genuine must not lose game.

As the old line goes “It’s the hope that kills you”.

[Smithy]

Liverpool had exactly the same issue we did against Wolves, because they did the same thing - play really slowly and without intent. It is so important we shake that off, because any top flight side can easily defend against it.

The difference is Chelsea won't sit back and defend their box like Wolves did.  They will attack, sometimes for sustained periods.  It's a different challenge, but I would be very surprised if you don't see us offering much quicker attacks tonight on the transition, which simply aren't possible against teams who are happy to sit deep and let us have the ball.

[TheToffnar]

I've felt completely pessimistic about every game since Brentford expecting at most a draw, but feel weirdly confident about this one.

There's a weird arrogance to that team that continually costs them. I think so long as we're composed and take our chances (a big ask), we'll do em.

[Cliftonville Villlain]

We're gonna do them. Relax. Have faith.

[JUAN PABLO]

              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!!

The team I would go for but Pau for Mings.

[PaulWinch again]

Liverpool had exactly the same issue we did against Wolves, because they did the same thing - play really slowly and without intent. It is so important we shake that off, because any top flight side can easily defend against it.

The difference is Chelsea won't sit back and defend their box like Wolves did.  They will attack, sometimes for sustained periods.  It's a different challenge, but I would be very surprised if you don't see us offering much quicker attacks tonight on the transition, which simply aren't possible against teams who are happy to sit deep and let us have the ball.

Broadly speaking I agree. My worry is once you lose the habit of scoring it’s not always easy to get it back. I think it’s really important we don’t go for “backs against the wall” type stuff.

[Drummond]

I predict Luiz will become the new pariah after conceding a stupid free kick just outside the box.

[Bosco81]

I'd have Bogarde in midfield, just covering the space Palmer seems to find quite easily, alongside Onana with Barkley ahead of those 2.

[ROBBO]

If he wants the crowd onside and involved don't pick bloody Bailey