Date: Saturday 30th November Venue: Villa Park Kick-Off: 15:00 Sunderland yet again will be looking to climb off the bottom of the Premier League table, while Villa will be looking to build on from their impressive second half performance on Monday night against rivals West Brom.
Team News
Aston Villa could have up to five players returning from injury against Sunderland. Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Fabian Delph came off the bench against The Baggies, while Antonio Luna and Gary Gardner could also feature following spells on the sidelines. (BBC Sport) Sunderland have Andrea Dossena and Lee Cattermole available again after serving a three match ban each, but face competition for a starting place. Gus Poyet is also hoping to have Modibo Diakite and Kieren Westwood available again following injuries. However the game could come too soon for Carlos Cuellar to make a comeback against his former club. (safc.com) Wes Brown's red card against Stoke City last Saturday has been rescinded and the defender will be available.
Key Stats
The last time these sides met will be one to forget for the Sunderland fans and most of the squad, as they fell victim to a 6-1 thrashing in April. As they return to the scene of the crime, Poyet will be hoping for his first away win as Sunderland manager and the first of the season for The Black Cats. Sunderland have had three red cards in as many trips to Villa Park, as well as three in their last two away games this season, so Poyet will be hoping for a change in their discipline record, as well as their performances. Villa have gained seven points from losing positions this season, more than any other side. Sunderland have gained none from going behind. Sunderland could finally climb out of the relegation zone should results go their way, while Villa could make their way into the top half, should West Brom and Swansea drop points.
Likely Line-Ups
Aston Villa: Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Luna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Tonev, Weimann, Benteke, Kozak. Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Celustka, Johnson, Larsson, Colback, Ki, Fletcher, Borini. Prediction 2-1
Joseph is a sports journalist, who has previously worked for Sky Sports News, Soccer Saturday, UEFA's coverage of the Champions League and Europa League and The London 2012 Olympic Games, as well as football clubs such as FC Halifax Town, Corby Town and Crystal Palace FC.
