Petr Cech was included in Chelsea's starting line-up for today's clash with Aston Villa. Cech was expected to be unavailable after sustaining a bruised side and hip against Blackburn but the Czech goalkeeper was passed fit to face Martin O'Neill's side.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant opted for a two-pronged attack consisting of Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro, sacrificing midfielder John Obi Mikel to make room.

Aston Villa were unchanged from the side that drew 1-1 with Manchester City with Stiliyan Petrov missing from the bench.

Elsewhere, Carlton Cole returned from suspension to partner Dean Ashton up front as West Ham manager Alan Curbishley made just one change from last weekend's 2-1 win at Middlesbrough for today's match against Reading.

Jonathan Spector continued at the heart of West Ham's defence with James Collins and Danny Gabbidon out injured — but Anton Ferdinand returned to the bench after two months out with a hamstring problem.

Reading, unbeaten in four games but chasing their first away win of the season, were unchanged from their home 2-1 victory win over Sunderland.