Aston Villa, Chelsea match to play as normal

Stiliyan Petrov
© PA Photos
Aston Villa's Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend will go ahead as planned at the request of seriously ill captain Stiliyan Petrov.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia after undergoing tests in relation to a fever this week.

The news raised concerns over whether tomorrow's meeting at Villa Park should go ahead, but it is understood that Petrov has urged his side to take to the field against the former English champions.

Following the announcement, Petrov's former manager Neil Lennon lent his support to the midfielder, who left Celtic six years ago.
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025