Mikel replaces Ballack for Blues

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti made one change to the team that defeated Tottenham as they went in search of their seventh straight win in the Barclays Premier League against Wigan.

Midfielder John Obi Mikel returned to the side at the DW Stadium and replaced Michael Ballack, who has a calf problem.

Chelsea were also looking for a boost ahead of their meeting with Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Wigan made two changes to the side which lost heavily to Arsenal last week with Paul Scharner and Jason Scotland coming in for Jason Koumas and Jordi Gomez.

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Thomas, Rodallega, Diame, N’Zogbia, Scharner, Scotland.

Subs: Pollitt, Amaya, Cho, Koumas, Gomez, De Ridder, King.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Mikel, Malouda, Lampard, Drogba, Anelka.

Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Kalou, Belletti, Borini.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)