Chelsea can extend their lead at the top of the table by as much as nine points with victory against Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick off in the Premier League.
With Arsenal and Liverpool not playing until Sunday afternoon, Jose Mourinho’s men will be keen to tighten their grip at the summit though they must attempt to do so without the injured Ashley Cole while David Luiz and Fernando Torres are both doubtful having missed last weekend’s 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Mourinho is likely to select his side with Tuesday evening’s Champions League last sixteen second leg against Galatasaray at Stamford Bridge in mind.
Ryan Bertrand, who is on loan at Villa for the rest of the season, will be ineligible to face his parent club.
The Blues ran out 2-1 winner when the sides met at Stamford Bridge back in August, while they also recorded the same result in last season’s corresponding fixture in May – the day Frank Lampard broke Bobby Tambling’s goal-scoring record for the club.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint Germain striker Edinson Cavani has insisted he is happy in France, despite reported interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Uruguay international has rebuffed claims there isn’t pleased with his role in the team, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic often playing as a sole striker in Laurent Blanc’s side.