Crespo back for Blues

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho recalled fit-again Hernan Crespo to the attack but rested goalkeeper Petr Cech against Barclays Premiership newcomers Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Cech’s replacement, Italian Carlo Cudicini, was making his first start in the Premiership since the 4-0 drubbing of West Brom in August.

Crespo was fit after a recent rib injury and was selected ahead of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba who was relegated to the bench. Drogba was still feeling the effects of a minor knee injury he sustained on international duty.

Wigan were without captain Arjan de Zeeuw (knee) so Matt Jackson replaced him in defence as manager Paul Jewell made four changes.

Jimmy Bullard was relegated to the bench after 123 consecutive games for the club while David Connolly was preferred in attack alongside Jason Roberts. Ryan Taylor and Josip Skoko were also given a place in the starting line-up with Henri Camara and Damien Francis on the bench.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Gallas, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Del Horno, Essien, Robben, Joe Cole, Lampard, Duff, Crespo. Subs: Cech, Geremi, Drogba, Gudjohnsen, Huth.

Wigan: Pollitt, Chimbonda, Henchoz, Jackson, Baines, Taylor, Skoko, Kavanagh, McCulloch, Connolly, Roberts. Subs: Camara, Walsh, Francis, Teale, Bullard.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)