Preview: Aston Villa vs. Sunderland

Aston Villa host Sunderland on Monday night as both teams look to take a step closer to avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Ahead of Saturday's games, Villa are currently three points in front of 18th-placed Wigan Athletic, with a victory potentially taking them to within touching distance of safety.

Manager Paul Lambert witnessed his side lose 3-0 to Manchester United last Monday, but he would have been encouraged by their performance in the second half and that could see him hand a start to midfielder Karim El Ahmadi.

Sunderland's form has been turned around by new manager Paolo Di Canio, and he has guided the Black Cats six points clear from the relegation zone.

They have beaten Newcastle United and Everton in their last two games, and Di Canio is unlikely to tinker with his side for the game against Villa.

Recent form

Aston Villa: WWLWDL

Sunderland: LDLLWW

Possible starting lineups

Aston Villa: Guzan; Vlaar, Bennett, Baker, Lowton; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann

Sunderland: Mignolet; O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose, Larsson; N'Diaye, Colback, Johnson, McClean; Sessegnon, Graham

Sports Mole says: 1-1