John Terry returned from suspension to skipper Chelsea in Guus Hiddink’s first match in charge of the Blues against Premier League top-four rivals Aston Villa. Hiddink opted for Paulo Ferreira at left back, with Ashley Cole serving his own ban, while Alex started at centre-back despite claims he was unfit due to an ankle injury.
In naming his strongest side in the battle of two teams aiming for a Champions League place next season, Hiddink also opted to partner Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba in attack.
Villa showed four changes from the team that drew 1-1 with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-32 UEFA Cup tie.
Striker Emile Heskey and winger James Milner both started after shaking off Achilles and thigh problems respectively.
Brad Friedel returned ahead of Brad Guzan in goal while Carlos Cuellar was preferred in defence to Craig Gardner as Villa set their sights on equalling a club record of 14 league games unbeaten.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Knight, Luke Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Heskey, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey, Gardner.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ferreira, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba. Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Quaresma, Deco, Belletti, Mancienne, Stoch.
