Team News: Andy Carroll starts for West Ham United

Andy Carroll will feature as a lone striker for West Ham United during their trip to Aston Villa this afternoon.

The Englishman will be supported by Joe Cole and Kevin Nolan, who have been handed attacking midfield roles.

Elsewhere, former Middlesbrough defender Emmanuel Pogatetz will make his first start for the Hammers.

Hosts Villa will begin the match with Christian Benteke as the lone centre-forward, while Charles N'Zogbia has kept his place on the wing.

Villa: Guzan; Baker, Vlaar, Lowton, Clark; Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia, Clark, Weimann, Bowery; Benteke

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Pogatetz; Noble, Diame, Nolan, J.Cole, Taylor; Carroll