Changes expected for Chelsea

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is almost certain to ring the changes against Aston Villa in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night.

England midfielder Joe Cole and international colleague Shaun Wright-Phillips may be handed starts against Martin O'Neill's side at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho is also hoping to recall Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Shevchenko has been sidelined for the last three matches with a leg muscle problem but Mourinho said: "I hope he can play on Wednesday. He trained on Saturday with the team for the first time with no limitation. Now we think if everything goes in the right direction, we think he can play against Villa."

Chelsea defender Geremi insists Mourinho's side are taking the Carling Cup seriously as they prepare to meet Villa.

Villa stole a point in their last meeting in west London in the Barclays Premiership just over a month ago.

But, with 10 other Premiership clubs left in the competition, Geremi accepts going all the way and winning it will not be easy.

"The good thing is to create opportunities. You cannot score without creating opportunities," said Geremi.

"The day that we are going to take the chances to score will be good for us and our luck will come.

"You can see in the league table that this year, Aston Villa are doing well. They have got a new manager who is working well and we respect them. It is one game and a knockout straightaway, so we have to go there just thinking to qualify.

"When you see that there are 10 Premiership teams still there in the competition, it is not possible to get in the final easily. So you take it seriously."