Villa Park

Team News

Matthew Lowton (thigh) will undergo a late fitness test as he aims to be an ever-present for Aston Villa this season. Karim El Ahmadi (thigh) and Ciaran Clark (foot) remain out.

Eden Hazard (calf) and Victor Moses (leg) but are doubts for Chelsea, but John Obi Mikel (hip) is available. Frank Lampard will start as he continues to chase the clubs all-time leading goal tally.

Paul Lambert pre-game…”We're in terrific form and in a good position - on Saturday we were three points off ninth! All credit to the team for the results they have produced in the last few months. The results have been outstanding. Everyone wrote them off and had a go at them. But the football we're playing is really good."

Rafael Benitez pre-game…"What I can say is that Lampard will play against Aston Villa. If he can score against Aston Villa, it will be easier for me in the last two games. I will do what I have to do to win games. If, at the same time, I can help Frank, I will do it."

Match Statistic: Fernando Torres’ last Premier League goal for Chelsea was the opener in the 8-0 thrashing of Villa in December.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea