Match Prediction: Chelsea at Villa Park
Thursday, 30 August 07, 05:15 AM · Comments (18)
What can I say about Chelsea that most don't already know? Chelsea are a class team; almost every player is considered world class and they'll almost certainly finish first or second.
Aston Villa on the other hand are getting better with each performance and Martin O'Neill really does have a selection dilemma ahead of the match on Sunday.
We beat Fulham because of the tactical changes last week and those same players that made the difference were outstanding against Wrexham earlier this week. If Maloney and Moore don't start I'd be surprised.
There is also a doubt on Bouma making the match, which ironically could make the decision on who to drop, if anyone, easier. Barry would have to go to left back (unless Zat Knight can play at left back or we sign another left back by midnight tomorrow) which means that no midfielder is dropped and Maloney just slots in.
Then we've got the strikers. Gabby and Carew haven't scored yet this season while Moore and Harewood have. Moore and Maloney were my men of the match last weekend only for the impact they made. Ashley Young was outstanding and was up there with them so him starting is surely not in question.
For me it all depends on the formation Martin O'Neill picks. While playing 4-4-2 is probably considered the more attacking I think playing one up front and five in midfield is just as attacking if the two wingers get involved every time we go forward. If we attack on the left the right winger comes inside as support for the lone striker and vice versa.
Playing five in midfield also gives us the extra man in midfield which can only be a good thing against a team like Chelsea who will attack through the middle and both wings on a regular basis.
I think we can get a result on Sunday if we can contain the midfield but I think it comes down to which players are in the right frame of mind and what formation we play. We also have to play a quick attacking game; after all they can't score if the ball is in their half.
I've got to make a prediction so I'm going to say a draw. It's the bet I'm going to make for Villa later and while I'd love a win and think we can sneak it, there is money involved.
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18 Comments · Add yours
personally i agrre with you, i would start with the 4 man midfield but i wud still drop petrov.. i think that i wud actually play mellberg right back and move either zat knight or gary cahill or if we get him in time curtis davies into the centre half position with martin laursen, i reckon bouma should be ok!!!
CARSON
MELLBERG-LAURSEN-CAHILL-BOUMA
YOUNG-GARDNER-REO-COKER-BARRY[C]-MALONEY
CAREW
i would move gardner into the centre mindfield along side reo-coker and barry, then we will have a centre midfield full of energy, full commitment, some aggression, and quality, then maloney and young on the wings who have been superb means they have to start and when goin forward the 4-5-1 can turn into a 4-3-3. with young and maloney alongside carew that sounds very exciting!!! i think gabby needs to be rested, but i feel harsh on leaving both luke moore and marlon harewood out but i think because of the recent performances of young and maloney they have to be in, and i think carew possess more quality than harewood so i would go with him up top!!!!
it will be a close 1!!
up the villa!!!!!!
my team would be
I am actually pretty optimistic that we can win this match, Chelsea are class, no doubt, but they are boring, I think if we take it to them and get behind the players at the match and play attacking football we can win, as for players I couldn't say, maloney looked quality against wrexham, but was only wrexham, we should look class against them, Gabby looked good for england u21 and should get a start and young is just immense at the moment, (trouble is my midfield is getting pretty bunched now) nope I'll leave it up to the boss I think!!
Tough choice, but with Chelsea's attacking options i think 4-5-1 is a must. Young and hopefully Barry in the usual spots with Reo-Coker, Maloney and maybe Osbourne playing in the centre. Osbourne simply because we'll need two defensive midfielders and Petrov isn't one. Or play Luke Moore just behind Harewood and have 4-4-1-1
No need for Osbourne then.
If the rumours come true then id have to play 4-4-2
CARSON
MELBERG - LAURSEN - CAHILL - BOUMA
YOUNG - AGBONLAHOR - NRC - MALONEY
CAREW - DEFOE
SOZ BAZZA :S
Now wouldnt it be funny if we had Glen Johnson by the chelsea game. Reckon MON would stick him on or not?
if the rumours come true.....
BORIC
MIGUEL - DAVIES - MELLBURG - BARRY
WRIGHT PHILLIPS - NRC - MALONEY - YOUNG
NICOLAE DICA - DEFOE
If you think we are boring, just you wait for Sunday!
you guys are having a laugh 3-0 drogba to score first...
I think you really should go all out and play "quality attacking football".
That way we can take you apart on the counter, fellas. We've done it to Barcelona, Valencia, Bayern and Arsenal. We can do it to Villa. Best of luck on Sunday.
I predict draw!
Playing Villa at Villa Park is the only Prem League ground Mourinho's Chelsea has never won at. I like this stat!
stop dreaming villa. wake up and realise you are just gonna be another scalp on our path to glory!
hhhmmmm funny. thats exactly what Newcastle and Fullham fans said before they played us
score draw i reckon
were heading in the right direction but chelsea are 1 of the best teams in europe,hate to say it but cant see anything other than a chelsea win
If the rumours come true then id have to play 4-4-2
CARSON
MELBERG - LAURSEN - CAHILL - BOUMA
YOUNG - AGBONLAHOR - NRC - MALONEY
CAREW - DEFOE
I can't believe you'd drop, Barry!
Has anyone read Matt Le Tossers' match preview - LINK
Of course, he's an expert, having amassed a fantastic medal haul in his illustrious career............erm the Zenith Data Systems Trophy and ermmmm.......well........
ye i seen that match preview its a joke. 'reo cocker is a run a the mill midfielder' le tosser is a prat