Carlo Ancelotti has once again taken the step to name his lineup in advance for a Premier League game and the headline news is that Didier Drogba is not in the side.

According to the Chelsea boss Drogba was taken ill this week and was not able to train, ruling him out of the trip to Villa…

“Drogba had a fever this week and was not able to train, he started today but is not fit. He took antibiotics in the last days and needs to train next week and I’ll know if he is available for the game in the Champions League.”

This is obviously huge news for Fantasy Managers with Drogba owned by almost 50% of Fantasy Premier League game. Given the nature of his absence and his FPL price rise, it seems likely that many Fantasy Managers will look to bench the striker – it’s one of those occasions the where the strength of the bench is out to the test and this could well be a significant Gameweek in the Fantasy season as a result.

The loss of Drogba opens the way for Gael Kakuta to come into the side – that presents a very intriguing option given that the 19-year old is classed as a 5.4 midfielder in the FPL. We may see some opportunist Fantasy Managers gamble on his differential, although the trip to Villa is hardly an easy fixture to rely on such a short-term gamble.

Elsewhere in the Chelsea lineup we have it confirmed that John Terry is fit and available to take his place alongside Ivanovic; that allows Paulo Ferreira to come in at right-back. Frank Lampard is not available however with Ancelotti stating that he needs more time to recover from an adductor injury…

“[Lampard] is getting better but he needs to have some weeks again, maybe two weeks to be fit 100 percent, he had a problem on his adductor and we have to pay attention. He is working individually and needs two weeks again.”

Ancelotti’s lineup is confirmed as – Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Essien, Mikel; Kakuta, Malouda, Anelka.