Team News: Eight Chelsea changes as big guns return

Jose Mourinho has brought Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas back into the Chelsea starting XI for this afternoon's visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge.

The Spanish duo are just two of eight changes made from the team that beat Bolton 2-1 in the League Cup third round on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Villa have made two changes as they look to return to winning ways following last week's 3-0 loss at home to Arsenal.

Nathan Baker has replaced Ciaran Clark at the heart of the defence, while Ashley Westwood is brought back into the team at the expense of Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa Subs: Cech, Zouma, Filipe Luis, Mikel, Schurrle, Remy, Drogba

Aston Villa: Guzan; Hutton, Cissokho, Baker, Senderos; Westwood, Delph, Richardson, Cleverley; Weimann, Agbonlahor Subs: Given, Clark, Bacuna, Sanchez, N'Zogbia, Grealish, Bent

Follow live text commentary of today's game here on Sports Mole.