Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Reserves)

[The Moos]

The Chelsea team tonight is:

Aldi Haxhia, Nana Ofori-Twumasi, Ricardo Carvalho, Carl Magnay, Patrick van Aanholt, Michael Essien, Jacob Mellis, Liam Bridcutt ©, Miroslav Stoch, Frank Nouble, Lee Sawyer.

Subs: Sam Walker, Tom Taiwo, Nikki Ahamed, Ben Gordon, Adam Phillip

Great to have both Riccy and Essien back now and I hope they will be ready to play for the first team soon.

Edit: Forgot to mention it was the reserves who play, but perhaps that was obvious

Edited March 2, 2009 by ethicalstrategy

[midlandblue]

looks like Stoch has lost out on the first team squad to Quaresma

[Ruh Buh Juh]

Will be watching with intent! Come on Essieeeeeeeeeeeeen!

[Mr Chelsea]

losing 3-2 at half time

[loz]

How have Essien and Carvalho looked?

[wicksy]

I don't think either of them pulled up any trees but they both got through unscathed, which I guess is the main object of the exercise.

Riccy played about 60 minutes before being substituted and Essien played the full 90. It looked as though Essien wasn't busting a gut but trying to work himself up to full fitness.

Once he's fully fit then hopefully he'll replace the lethargic Ballack asap!

[Scott]

Why was the youth team keeper playing? Anyone know?

[Orangutan]

Why was the youth team keeper playing? Anyone know?

Says on the official site that both the usual reserve keepers were injured.