Chelsea-Aston Villa Preview

Posted Friday, October 15, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

Adam Carroll-Smith STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton has insisted his team-mates will not be daunted by Chelsea on Saturday in their first league fixture since their Stamford Bridge annihilation.

The Midlands side face the Premier League champions for the first time since their 7-1 drubbing in March.

Albrighton, 20, is set to return to action after a groin problem and wants revenge on the London club.

Albrighton said: “I would not say it is daunting. It is more exciting than anything to play against players like Ashley Cole.

“It is unbelievable. Every player in their side is world-class, so if you can play well against them, you can play well against anyone.

“I am looking forward to it, there is nothing I can do against some of their top players. I have just got to go out there and play just as I would if I was playing in a reserve game against youth players.

“I have to go out there and enjoy myself and play the game and not the occasion. I am really excited it is going to be quality.”

Villa will be looking for a positive result after a 2-1 loss a fortnight ago at Tottenham in Gerard Houllier’s first defeat as manager.

Albrighton added: “We definitely want to bounce back as soon as possible. The lads will relish facing Chelsea at Villa Park.

“It will probably be a full house against the top team in the Premier League at the minute. They are absolutely flying, so it is good to be the underdogs.”

In-form Emile Heskey will miss the match with a shin injury and Gabby Agbonlahor has a groin problem.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba reckons the Aston Villa fans are going to love him on Saturday \2013 because people have changed their opinion of him.

Drogba, 32, thinks it has taken opposing fans six years to change fans minds and now they hate to love him. And now last season’s top scorer has vowed to continue his fine form and wow supporters across the country.

Drogba said: “I think I am more appreciated here now and I am really grateful to the fans in England.

“In my first four seasons I found it hard to adapt and I felt that it was hard for fans to understand me. Now people think I am much better and I love it here.

“The most important thing was for me to understand the culture of the game in this country. Now I have done what I have done has got me a lot more respect here in England.”

Drogba has also stated that the Champions League is not the top priority for Chelsea this campaign.

Drogba said: “It would not be a big drama for me if I finished my career without winning the Champions League. I really want the trophy but people cannot doubt my ability if I do not.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without John Terry (back), Alex (hip), Frank Lampard (groin), Salomon Kalou (thigh) and Yossi Benayoun (Achilles).