RYAN Taylor is a shock inclusion in Wigan's squad for the Premiership clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Right-back Taylor has been out for a year after initially breaking a metatarsal in an FA Cup tie at home to Leeds, and then a leg on his comeback in the reserves.

Despite being short of fitness, Taylor is included in a threadbare squad as Arjan de Zeeuw (toe), Andreas Granqvist (flu), Antonio Valencia (hamstring), Henri Camara and Paul Scharner (both knee) are all out.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho return from suspension for the game.

Also likely to be back from a hamstring injury is Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini may have recovered from a thigh problem.

Ashley Cole is suspended and the game is too early for the likes of captain John Terry (back) and Petr Cech (skull). Khalid Boulahrouz faces another three weeks on the sidelines with knee-ligament damage.

Chelsea (from): Hilario, Hedman, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Bridge, Carvalho, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Makelele, Diarra, Obi, Drogba, Shevchenko, Robben, Wright-Phillips, Kalou.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Jackson, Hall, Kilbane, Cywka, Johansson, Landzaat, Heskey, Boyce, Cotterill, Baines, McCulloch, Taylor, Skoko, Haestad, Unsworth, Filan.

Last season: Chelsea 1 Wigan 0

Key opponent: Didier Drogba - Striker has been lethal this season and will be well rested

Prediction: Chelsea 2 Wigan 1 - Chelsea should be too strong but are still vulnerable in defence

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

For all the latest odds with Betfred, click here.

Tweet