Preview: Aston Villa vs. Leicester City

Aston Villa have wasted little time in replacing Paul Lambert after they announced on Saturday afternoon that Tim Sherwood had been appointed as the club's new manager.

It's a bold move from Villa, who have handed the former Tottenham Hotspur head coach a three-and-a-half year deal, and the 46-year-old will want to make the best possible start at the club with progress in the FA Cup fifth round against Leicester City.

Despite priority being placed on the league, striker Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar are both expected to be recalled to the side after only being a substitute 2-0 defeat at Hull City, while Shay Given should feature in goal.

Villa's only wins in their last 12 games have come in this competition, but they had to fight hard to overcome Championship duo Blackpool and Bournemouth respectively.

In sharp contrast to Villa's route to the last 16, Leicester have had to negotiate ties with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, and it's arguably those results that have kept boss Nigel Pearson at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes have produced some solid performances in recent weeks, including the spirited effort at Arsenal on Tuesday night, but they remain five points adrift at the bottom of the top-flight standings.

However, with the storm cloud that followed Pearson's altercation with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur having blown over, he can now focus on trying to improve his side's results and a win in Birmingham should safeguard his job for the next few weeks.

After employing a back five at Arsenal, Pearson could tinker with his system, with Leonardo Ulloa, David Nugent and Andy King all possible starters on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Villa:

Form in FA Cup: LWLLWW Form in all competitions: LLWLLL

Possible starting lineup: Given, Hutton, Okore, Vlaar, Cissokho, Cleverly, Delph, Gil, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Weimann

Leicester City:

Form in FA Cup: WDLLWW Form in all competitions: WLWLLL

Possible starting lineup: Schwarzer; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Konchesky; Nugent, Cambiasso, King, James, Schlupp; Ulloa

Sports Mole says: 1-1