Chelsea v Villa team news: Lambert names unchanged side

Villa head into this afternoon's clash at Chelsea with an unchanged side.

The team which beat Liverpool so convincingly at Anfield is the same one chosen at Stamford Bridge.

Paul Lambert continues with his formidable front two of Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann while Ashley Westwood and Barry Bannan - hailed this morning by the gaffer as being in exceptional form - are also selected.

Villa continue with their three-man backline of Chris Herd, Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker, with Matt Lowton and Eric Lichaj at wing-back.

The game comes too soon for the injured Ron Vlaar and Gabby Agbonlahor but both will be assessed ahead of the Tottenham match on Boxing Day.

In fact, the only change made from the Liverpool win is Stephen Ireland coming on to the bench in place of Charles N'Zogbia.

VILLA: Guzan, Lowton, Baker, Clark [c], Lichaj, Holman, Westwood, Bannan, Herd, Weimann, Benteke. Subs: Given, Bowery, El Ahmadi, Ireland, Bennett, Delph, Albrighton.

CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Azpilcueta, Luiz, Lampard, Mata, Hazard, Moses, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Ramires, Oscar, Ferreira, Marin, Piazon, Ake.

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Chelsea v Aston Villa