Mikel set for first Premiership start

Mikel Jon Obi hopes to make his first Barclays Premiership start for Chelsea against Aston Villa.

Michael Ballack started in the midweek Champions League win over Levski Sofia but is serving a domestic three-match suspension.

Joe Cole is recovering from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season.

Provisional squad: Cech, Ferreira, Boulahrouz, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Geremi, Makelele, Essien, Diarra, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Robben, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Shevchenko, Cudicini.