:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47447004/GettyImages-490560092.0.jpg)
Probably just going to turn the preview into another rant about Tim Sherwood’s incompetence as a manager. Sorry friends!
It’s time to visit Stamford Bridge, which either seems to go really well for Villa or really terribly.
Oh no, we’re gonna get hammered, aren’t we?
What to know about Villa
We’re such a disaster.
Tim Sherwood: The crowd were singing my name at Leicester four weeks ago. They will be singing it again in another four weeks. #AVFC
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) October 16, 2015
Yes, Tim. The singing your name probably had something to do with the fact Villa were up 2-0.
Then you went and blew that all up with dumb tactical decisions, and Villa conceded three times to lose 3-2.
It’d be like saying of Robert E. Lee, "Yeah, he was a great general for that win at the Second Battle of Bull Run." You know, despite the fact the Confederacy lose the war.
Can Villa rise again?
"I have 100 per cent belief that we’ll stay in the Premier League," Tim said.
Well, yes, I’d hope the guy who vowed the club would never be in a relegation battle again under his watch would be able to save the club from the drop.
Then again, maybe Tim was indicating we’d be so far adrift by Christmas that there wouldn’t even be a "battle" to be a part of.
And then there’s the dumbest news of the day, which indicates a potential recall of Charles N’Zogbia to the starting XI tomorrow at Chelsea.
Jack Grealish, Carles Gil and Adama Traoré are all fit. Three players who should never be considered in the same squad as N’Zogbia, let alone fighting for a place in the XI with him.
Jordan Ayew will, it appears, once more sit on the bench after his very, very good performance against Birmingham City in the Capital One Cup last month. But this time, he figures to be sitting behind a guy who quit on Aston Villa in the club’s biggest match in 15 years, with a chance to win the biggest piece of silverware for the club in 1982.
Shame on you, Tim, for recalling a player who’s let the club down time and time again. Especially when the last time was on the biggest stage.
What to know about Chelsea
They’re a tyre fire! That’s fun, because so are we!
Pretty much everyone I’ve talked to seems to think Villa have a good chance tomorrow, but none of those people are Villa fans. That probably has something to do with it — we aren’t sexy, so everyone doesn’t realize how bad the Claret and Blues are.
Here’s the important thing: No matter the lineup Chelsea put on the pitch, every single player in it will be better than every single player in the Villa XI. End of story. There’s not a single player on this squad who’d even sniff inclusion in the Chelsea lineup.
After a week off for the international break, I’d be shocked if Chelsea don’t come back with a solid performance at home against the Claret and Blues — and let’s face it, a poor Chelsea performance is probably enough for the West London club to snag all three points.
Branislav Ivanovic is out for Chelsea, which is nice.
Jose: 'We need to win matches for us, for the Chelsea supporters. I don't know how to stop unfair stories but we are not worried.' #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 16, 2015
Right, I forgot! At least we have the refereeing conspiracy on our side this week!
The odds
Bovada: Chelsea 1/3, Villa 17/2, Draw 4/1
Paddy Power: Chelsea 4/11, Villa 15/2, Draw 4/1
SkyBet: Chelsea 1/3, Villa 8/1, Draw 4/1
The prediction
People I’ve talked to who think Villa can win: Bet now!
But for those of us who actually understand things, there’s no money to be won here. Chelsea are in desperate need of a result, and Villa might be playing Charles N’Zogbia.
It’ll be the big result that gets José Mourinho’s side back on track.
Prediction: Chelsea 4, Villa 0
7500 to Holte have been nominated for the Best Football Club Blog award in the 2015 Football Blogging Awards! If you'd like to vote for us, the easiest way is to send a tweet, which you can do by clicking here, or by tweeting "I'm voting in @TheFBAs for @7500toHolte as the Best Football #Club Blog" (without quotations). If you'd rather not vote via twitter, you can do so by choosing us from the Best Football Club Blog dropdown at the FBA's voting page. Our community is a huge part of what makes this such a great place to be an Aston Villa fan so thank you for your support!