Premiership: Chelsea v. Aston Villa

Chelsea meet a resurgent Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge later today.

Chelsea have beaten Villa in their last four meetings but Jose Mourinho will not be taking the in-form Midlanders lightly.

Martin O’Neill has led Villa to their best Premiership start for five years, and they enter the game as one of only two unbeaten sides in the league.

In team news, John Obi Mikel is set to make his first Premiership start, while Claude Makelele is likely to be recalled after being rested for the midweek win over Levski Sofia.

Michael Ballack will definitely miss the game as he continues his three-match suspension following his dismissal against Liverpool.

Mourinho has said he will keep playing Andriy Shevchenko, despite the Ukranian’s lack of goals.

“Until he scores a goal, he is in my lineup,” Mourinho said. “He has no chance to be dropped. Two, three, four, five games. It doesn’t matter. He will play until he scores a goal.”

O’Neill is set to name the same side that beat Charlton at Villa Park last weekend.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in 47 games at the Bridge, since losing 1-2 to Arsenal on 21 February 2004.