Team News: Darren Bent starts up front for Aston Villa

Darren Bent will start for Aston Villa against Swansea City this afternoon, despite speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

Bent will be partnered by Gabriel Agbonlahor, while Stephen Ireland continues in his role as an attacking midfielder.

Swans manager Brendan Rodgers has made seven changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur last time out, with Danny Graham and Wayne Routledge handed starts.

Villa: Guzan; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Ireland, Petrov, Clark, N'Zogbia; Agbonlahor, Bent.

Swansea: Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Caulker, Taylor; Britton, Agustien, Orlandi; Dyer, Graham, Routledge.