Lead up: Chelsea v Aston Villa
By: Jack | October 16th, 2009Time to get back to work.
The international break is finally over — congratulations, by the way, to Ghana for becoming the first African nation to win a major competition with a dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Brazil in the U-20 World Cup — and Chelsea open the Premier League slate this weekend at Aston Villa.
This will be no easy task. Villa Park has traditionally been a bogey destination for the Blues; last February’s 1-0 win represents our first there since the turn of the century. Villa, despite a somewhat surprising defeat to Blackburn, have been in a decent run of form. Three victories preceded the loss, while a draw with Manchester City — a game Villa led for much of the night — followed.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will be looking to further distance itself from the 3-1 loss to Wigan in their last league away match with back-to-back wins against top-6 sides. If you recall, last time out, the Blues disposed of Liverpool 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Beautiful.
Team News
Aston Villa
Doubtful: None
Injured: Bouma (fitness), Downing (ankle), Davies (shoulder)
Suspended: None
Last five matches: DLWWW
Disciplinary: Yellow 12, Red 0
Leading scorer: Agbonlahor 4
Chelsea
Doubtful: Bosingwa (hamstring), Alex (groin), Mikel (ankle)
Injured: Ballack (ankle)
Suspended: None
Last five matches: WLWWW
Disciplinary: Yellow 9, Red 1
Leading scorer: Drogba 6
Potent Potables
- Aston Villa have won just once in its last 10 league matches against Chelsea
- Chelsea have netted in 13 straight Prem matches (31 goals).
- Villa are the only Premier League side not to have conceded a headed goal.
- Nicolas Anelka loves the Villains. He’s scored in his last three league matches against them.
- Getting defensive. Half of the goals Chelsea have conceded this season have come via defenders
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Tags: Aston Villa, Chelsea Team News, Chelsea Team News, Didier Drogba, Fixtures, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Match Previews, Nicolas Anelka, PremiershipSubscribe
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Comments | Add your comment
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I would say that the Olympics count as a major competition, or at least as major as the U-20 World Cup. Nigeria won gold in 1996 and Cameroon won gold in 2000.
Posted from
United States
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I heard that Bosingwa overcame his injury problems, and he might figure in Ivanovic. I wonder if Carlo is planning to give Joe Cole some first-team action, or he’ll bench him until Blackburn or Bolton.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
just to correct myself, Bosingwa won’t ‘figure in Ivanovic’. what the hell was I thinking about?
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Wondering if getting 4hrs of sleep just now is good enough to stay up past 7am for the Chelsea game.. gg ESPN2
Also – Youve been watchin Jeopardy lately too Jack? Winner on there recently is amazing
Posted from
United States
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