Two sides that will have hoped for dramatically better campaigns back in August meet at Villa Park in today’s lunchtime kickoff.

Managerless Villa’s days as a Premier League club appear to be numbered, while Chelsea have produced one of the meekest defences of a title in recent memory.

FILE: BRAZIL, Campinas : Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi Mikel takes part in a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup. AFP PHOTO

After yet another flashpoint – this time away at Everton in the FA Cup – Chelsea’s main marksman Diego Costa finds himself suspended for this encounter.

Loic Remy failed to make the most of his opportunity versus West Ham, so Hiddink may turn to youngster Bertrand Traore to lead the attack.

A long-standing hip complaint is expected to keep Eden Hazard sidelined, but winger Pedro could come back into contention.

As for Villa, Micah Richards and Jack Grealish may return to the squad following recent injury layoffs, while Armand Traore is also pushing for inclusion following his recovery from a foot problem.