Closed Aston Villa v Chelsea

[Strike 7,474]

And they get paid for that, but the money has to come from somewhere. The club isn't run on magic beans and happy thoughts.

But surely there was no necessity to schedule 2 more matches at the end of the longest season for any club in the PL era? It's not like we are broke!

[Madmax 9,219]

But surely there was no necessity to schedule 2 more matches at the end of the longest season for any club in the PL era? It's not like we are broke!

It's more than the revenue generated on matchday .. it's the exposure that he's after.

Plus, it's not like we'll be playing full strength squads going at it at a 100 mph. A glorified training session, more than anything.

[The only place to be 11,313]

But surely there was no necessity to schedule 2 more matches at the end of the longest season for any club in the PL era? It's not like we are broke!

It's an exhibition match in the biggest media market in the world. That matters nowadays.

[Strike 7,474]

It's more than the revenue generated on matchday .. it's the exposure that he's after.

Plus, it's not like we'll be playing full strength squads going at it at a 100 mph. A glorified training session, more than anything.

It's an exhibition match in the biggest media market in the world. That matters nowadays.

Still unnecessary. We were in the US just last year.

[Madmax 9,219]

Still unnecessary.

Not really, but let's agree to disagree.

[bushman 2,043]

It's an exhibition match in the biggest media market in the world. That matters nowadays.

This exhibition could have been scheduled at later date, simple as that.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Still unnecessary. We were in the US just last year.

That's not enough. You need to constantly promote yourself.

Some people might say that it could've been scheduled at another time, but I'm not so sure that's true.

[Strike 7,474]

That's not enough. You need to constantly promote yourself.

Some people might say that it could've been scheduled at another time, but I'm not so sure that's true.

There was no other time. Poor Oscar/Luiz/Rami and the English guys have to rush to Rio de Janeiro to play another friendly on June 2.

What's worse is that the Brazilians then have the Confederations Cup in June. Chelsea will begin pre-season in July and on the off-chance Chelsea have to play a playoff-game to get into the CL, then they will look to start pre-season earlier. I just hope Oscar and Luiz are not burnt out by all this

[yuvala 2,167]

We should win this.

But then again, we're Chelsea.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

And they get paid for that, but the money has to come from somewhere. The club isn't run on magic beans and happy thoughts.

But the football club is not just about money. Making your players feel that the club is looking after them not just profit and that they belong here rather than just that they only work here is worth, imo, more than the 2.5m we're getting from those two matches.

[Milan 17,955]

Neil Barnett confirms that despite Mikel's return to training, he wasn't deemed fit enough for the trip to Aston Villa. (Chelsea TV)

[milka 3,390]

i think Benayoun will play

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

Neil Barnett confirms that despite Mikel's return to training, he wasn't deemed fit enough for the trip to Aston Villa. (Chelsea TV)

Oh NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

[1chelsea 864]

i said RED eye so can see benayoun on the pitch if not i will kill a fly

[Pizy 18,846]

Make my weekend, boys!

Nervous as all hell about this game. I just have a feeling Rafa will throw out a weak lineup and make subs after its too late.

[yuvala 2,167]

Hazard is fit right?

[Milan 17,955]

Hazard is fit right?

Should be. We will find out in a couple of minutes.

[Slam Dunk 1,442]

i think Benayoun will play

Had the same feeling this morning. Hope we're both wrong.