Former academy star Gardner has recently been sidelined through injury but he will be back in time to provide cover for Olof Mellberg in the right back role.
The youngster would clearly love to start against Villa's closest rivals but it looks like he will have to settle for a starting place on the bench.
However, Blues must be aware that if the dynamic midfielder is brought on he could have the same impact as former Villan Thomas Hitzlsperger who possessed a similar lethal striking ability.
Gardner is a man who could change the game going forward and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him brought on to add extra attacking impetus.