Or am I?
Let’s face it, after the shoeing we got from Arsenal last week, we’re not exactly favourites to win this one are we?
Many of us have predicted another hammering, with some even predicting double figure goals on Chelsea’s part.
I have a sneaky feeling that won’t happen though and there will only be a goal or two in it.
Not that I’m expecting us to win, because it really wouldn’t surprise me if we fail to score yet again.
What’ll be more important is if Lambert doesn’t attempt the same ridiculous tactics that he did last week.
And I don’t think he will, hence I don’t see that many goals.
Another capitulation, as we saw last week though, would surely have the fans calling for Lambert’s head.
Wouldn’t it?????
But even then, it’s possibly already too late for a change, a view that I suspect is exactly how the club’s hierarchy think. Lambert’s staying, whether we like it or not.
For me, the truth is I never expected anything from the Arsenal game or this one, so losing won’t quite be that much of a big deal. It was just the manner of last weeks defeat that wound me up so much.
That said, Jose has never beaten us at Villa Park and losing that record would be disappointing in yet another season of disappointment.
Squad news then and Vlaar has recovered from his knee injury.
Will he come straight back in? I’d expect so, personally.
I’d also expect Sinclair to start.
Joe Cole is fit again too and it’ll be interesting to see if he gets a start after last week’s midfield shambles. I personally don’t think he will, but I think Lambert might bring him on later, depending how the game’s going.
Chelsea have Fabregas fit again and Juan Cuadrado is expected to make his debut.
Costa is banned and Luis has a calf strain; not that it makes much difference with Chelsea’s squad.
Prediction?
1-2, with the hope that we can just get a goal.
I actually think that’s pretty optimistic!