Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas may be forced into one defensive change against Villa, with full-back Jose Bosingwa unlikely to have recovered from a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham.
That could mean a starting berth for Paulo Ferreira and he will join a side containing Oriol Romeu, who looks to have cemented a place in midfield in the absence of Jon Obi Mikel.
With Didier Drogba’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, the need for an understanding to be struck amongst the Blues’ remaining attackers could mean they start together yet again.
For the visitors, Shay Given is unlikely to prove fit enough to feature, meaning Brad Guzan will continue to deputise in goal.
Alex McLeish will be boosted, however, by the return of Alan Hutton after the Scot served a one-match suspension for a red card.
Emile Heskey is unlikely to return from an achilles injury but reports suggest that Villa’s main goal threat, Darren Bent, could overcome a thigh injury in time to feature.
- Chelsea have conceded 13 goals at Stamford Bridge so far this season, as many as they conceded at home in the entirety of last term.
- Chelsea have the third most potent attack in the Premier League this season, behind both Manchester clubs, having scored 22 goals.
- Blues forward Fernando Torres (pictured right) could well end the year having netted more times in the Premier League in 2011 for Liverpool (four) than Chelsea (three) despite leaving Merseyside in January.
- Aston Villa last won at Stamford Bridge in May 2002, with Peter Crouch amongst the goalscorers.
- Alex McLeish tasted success over Chelsea last season, with a 1-0 as manager of Birmingham City.
- Villa have drawn six of their nine away fixtures this season, more than any other Premier League side.