Petrov pushing for Villa recall

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is pushing hard for a recall to the starting line-up for the Boxing Day clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Petrov made his comeback as a substitute against Manchester City last weekend after missing the previous two games with a hamstring strain.

The Bulgaria international is challenging his former Celtic team-mate, Shaun Maloney, for a starting role in the Villa midfield.

Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Moore, Maloney, Cahill, Davies, Gardner, Harewood, Osbourne, Berger, Salifou.