Branislav Ivanovic will start his first Barclays Premier League game. The Serbian international take over from injured Alex in central defence. Joe Cole returns.

The England man replaces Salomon Kalou on the right of midfield. Up front, Nicolas Anelka has overcome the niggle that saw him miss Friday training and will start.

Ashley Cole is also over his back problem and replaces Wayne Bridge. John Terry has been passed fit.

Aston Villa name the same side for a seventh successive league match so Ivanovic will face John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor on his home debut.

Steve Sidwell has not recovered from injury in time to make a return to the Bridge.

Chelsea will line-up in a 4-1-4-1 formation as follows:

1 Petr Cech
2 José Bosingwa
2 Branislav Ivanovic
26 John Terry (c)
3 Ashley Cole
12 John Mikel Obi
10 Joe Cole
13 Michael Ballack
8 Frank Lampard
15 Florent Malouda
39 Nicolas Anelka

Substitutes: 40 Hilario, 19 Paulo Ferreira, 35 Juliano Belletti, 42 Michael Mancienne, 18 Wayne Bridge, 21 Salomon Kalou, 9 Franco Di Santo.

Aston Villa are expected to line-up in the following 4-4-2 formation:

Friedel; L Young, Davies, Laursen (c), Shorey; Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, A Young; Agbonlahor, Carew.

Substitutes Guzan, Gardner, Knight, Salifou, Milner, Cuellar, Harewood.

The referee is Chris Foy.