Closed Chelsea v Aston Villa

[Jase 43,479]

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

PRE-MATCH DISCUSSION AND LIVE CHAT

Barclays Premier League

23rd December, Sunday 2012

Stamford Bridge

16:00 Kick Off (UK time)

[Spike 12,049]

I hate playing this team.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Cannot wait got tickets for it

Lets smash them ! Although predictably they have started finding some form!!!

[Jase 43,479]

Despite having a squad filled with youngsters, we can't afford to underestimate them whatsoever especially after what happened in this fixture last season. Furthermore, Villa are in decent form coming into this. They are unbeaten in their last 5 league games - W2 D3 - and 6 in all competitions - W3 D3.

On the plus side for us, the 5-1 win yesterday should help boost morale heading into this game and the return of Ramires and Cahill from suspension will help to give Benitez a bit more options.

[The only place to be 11,313]

I actually predicted they would beat Liverpool and then lose to us because I couldn't see them losing both games, but I didn't think they'd win both either (bizarre logic I know).

Despite their win, Liverpool should've put them away early. They had enough chances and I expect Villa will come for the draw. The key is locking down Benteke who has been rather impressive so far. It might be a good game to try Luiz in midfield again.

Honestly could see this game going in any direction. If Villa get their tactics spot on then we could see another game like the Stoke home one, but if they make a mistake early on then I can see the floodgates opening.

[Madmax 9,219]

I wonder if they'll continue with the 3-4-3 Lambert employed against Liverpool.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Need to keep the momentum going in this one. A win here would be crucial to having a merry Christmas period.

[Mufassir08 2,400]

Mata should be rested for this one.

[AndersonBLUE 819]

Moses to start again, Oscar playing as the number 10 and Hazard on the left. Mata as a sub in the 60th min.

[ChelseaUnite 26]

Mata must starter. I can't see Chelsea will win without Mata starter.

[Jase 43,479]

I wonder if they'll continue with the 3-4-3 Lambert employed against Liverpool.

Possibly. Played the same way against Stoke at home prior to that IIRC. Also, Lambert went with 3-5-2 at Norwich when we played them at home last season. Caused us plenty of problems before we got a lucky break through the penalty and Ruddy being sent off.

[Laylabelle 9,292]

Urgh Villa games always dodgy....some mental win/loss or a stupid 4-4 draw or something...

[iceboy 992]

Really I don't like Villa and I dont know why I have scare from them especially from Benteke..but I am optimist and we will win this game.

[OReillyD36 311]

ahhh Villa, a team I hope is relegated this season. Let's send them on their way by taking three points

Is it weird to hate a team (more so their current set-up) that we have no real rivalry with?

[Jase 43,479]

Dan Levene ‏@BluesChronicle

Tough test against an in-form Aston Villa on Sunday. Rafael Benitez press conference at Cobham, 1.15pm today.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Just realized we will have a Lampard-Ramires pivot

[Ollie 4,400]

We always struggle against this lot home and away and our players must be pretty tired so it could be tough again. I reckon we may sneak it by a goal.

[magic weeds 446]

I'd guess its Lamps, Ramires as pivot. With Oscar, Mata and Eden as the front three. Moses to come in as sub.