I can’t say I’ve watched Chelsea very many times this season and if I have, it’s mostly through interest in seeing how Chucky has been doing. The fact that he hardly gets a start is satisfying, even though it’s also a bit nasty of me. Hey ho, that’s how footy gets you.
I went out of my way to watch them on Monday night, specifically because we face them today and they just confirmed what I’ve thought of them this season. They’re a very up and down side, where you really don’t know what to expect. Suffice to say, Arsenal totally destroyed them.
Hence the logic is Arsenal destroy Chelsea, we beat Arsenal by what could have been 4-0, so we will beat Chelsea easily.
Heh, if only football worked like that. I’m reminded of how Liverpool have been excellent all season, but have imploded just in this week and just as is often said, “it’s a funny old game” and exactly why we love it. Anyone can beat anyone in this league, which is what makes it such a money spinner, after all.
Squad news then and I don’t think much has changed.
Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendía, Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara,Álex Moreno and Nicolò Zaniolo aren’t fit.
The good news is that everyone else is available.
As for Chelsea, the news is that they have loads of injuries, which to be fair has probably hampered them all season. They have twelve unavailable today, in Chucky, Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto while long-term absentees Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana are expected to be out for the foreseeable future.
The bad news is that Cole Palmer is back after missing the last game through illness. He’s absolutely on fire and is obviously going to be a big danger today.
So, what to think?
As I’ve said, I’m not going to predict anything today. Certainly my “not wanting to jinx anything” stance over recent weeks has served us well, as we continue to get wins, even though we haven’t exactly played that well at times. That’s the sign of a good side though, isn’t it? You keep winning, fullstop, regardless of the performance.
Whatever, the reason I asked “Is this the one?” is because I have a sneaky feeling that this could possibly be the game that clinches a Champions’s league place. Not that I’m predicting, you understand.
I’m just suggesting that IF we win this, it could just prove a bridge too far for Tottenham to overtake us.
As I said though, it’s a funny old game. And us Villa fans rarely get what we want.
Here’s hoping and UTV!
Come on lads, we’re close!
A big last push!
No surprises in the starting XI. Dougie is back in and Diaby on the bench. A win tonight would be massive in terms of that 9 point gap it would give us over Spurs. A psychological blow that would prove too much probably for them to overtake us. A pity Palmer is back for them because he can cause big problems for us. We need to be better than we were in the FA Cup for sure!
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Bailey, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Diego Carlos, Chambers, Lenglet, Diaby, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam, Kellyman.
I think the key will be Dougie. Does he help form a solid midfield as McGinn and Tilesman have in the last couple of matches? His passing has been a bit off in recent weeks and I am hoping the break has led him to recharge his batteries.
Massive match, UTV
No Cole Palmer. Or has someone already said that???
Win tonight. CL guaranteed.
Palmer is playing mate.
Must be the beer or my glasses beed upgrading..
Yes!
SJM, 1-0
Get in!
Erm…Are we 1-0 up???
😁😁😁😁
🙂
Very decent goal to equalise there. Damm.
1-1
Shit. Saw that coming. Offside?
Game on!!!
Offside!!!!!
It’s off.
The sense of relief is palpable.
1-0 then.
Tilesman injured looks like a groin injury. Guess Diaby to play behind Watkins and McGinn play midfield with Dougie.
We need to regain control. Tiemans off? Diaby on. Tiemans has been great recently despite Bill’s assertions!!!
Or is his injury and Emi’s rub down the dark arts????
Diaby on.
Tielemans is off with what looks like a bad groin strain.
Diaby on and I find that odd.
Unai must have seen a weakness that I haven’t.
Yes, I think you’re right Sid.
I hate SJM playing deeper.
Chesty!!!!
I love this kid.
2-0!!!!
Chesty!!!!!!!!
Someone had to say it. Chesty 1 Chelsea fuck all.