Team News: Louis Saha, David Vaughan drop to Sunderland bench

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has recalled some of his first-choice players for this afternoon's clash with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Sebastian Larsson, Simon Mignolet and Craig Gardner all return for the Black Cats following the Capital One Cup loss to Middlesbrough in midweek.

Darren Bent's frustrations this season continue as he misses out for Villa with a foot injury.

Ciaran Clark and Andreas Weimann both return to the starting XI for Paul Lambert's side, who will be aiming to move clear of the relegation zone with a victory.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Colback, Cuellar, O'Shea, Cattermole, Gardner, Larsson, Johnson, Sessegnon, Fletcher

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Vlaar, Westwood, Clark, Ireland, Bannan, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke