Venue: Villa Park Date: Monday, 29th April K/o: 20:00 GMT
Team News
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert may hand a rare start to Karim El Ahmadi in tonight's Premier League clash with Sunderland after the defensive midfielder put in an impressive performance against Manchester United a week ago. Marc Albrighton, Richard Dunne and Chris Herd remain sidelined however. Sunderland will welcome back central midfielder Craig Gardner tonight as he returns from suspension, but Phil Bardsley is a doubt with an ankle injury and will face a late fitness test. Meanwhile, Connor Wickham misses out once again with a calf problem.
Key Stats
Sunderland's five-match unbeaten run against Aston Villa came to an end when they lost 1-0 at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season. In 11 previous visits to Villa Park in the Premier League, Sunderland have lost just four times (W2 D5 L4). Villa's Brad Guzan has conceded more goals (59) than any other Premier League goalkeeper this season. The Black Cats have seen more opponents sent off than any other Premier League team this season (six).
Likely Line-Ups
Aston Villa Guzan, Lowton, Vlaarr, Baker, Lichaj, Westwood, El Ahmadi, N'Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke
Sunderland Mignolet, Larsson, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Johnson, N'Diaye, Gardner, McClean, Graham, Sessegnon
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