Team News: Two changes for Aston Villa against Watford

Aston Villa have made two changes to their side for today's visit of Watford to Villa Park.

Following last weekend's 4-0 thrashing at Everton, Remi Garde has brought Carlos Sanchez into midfield in a bid to give his defence more protection, with Ashley Westwood dropping to the bench.

Garde announced earlier this week that Jack Grealish had been dropped from the squad after the latest controversy surrounding the young midfielder, and he is replaced by Scott Sinclair on the left side of midfield.

Jordan Ayew, who has scored Villa's last two goals, is again preferred to Rudy Gestede up front, while Kieran Richardson continues to deputise for the injured Jordan Amavi.

Adama Traore and Jores Okore return to the matchday squad with places as a substitute after both featured in a behind-closed-doors training match earlier this week.

For Watford, there are also two changes as Nathan Ake is fit enough to return at left-back in place of Ikechi Anya and Juan Carlos Paredes replaces Jose Manuel Jurado in midfield.

Aston Villa: Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Richardson; Sanchez, Gana, Veretout; Gil, Sinclair; Ayew Subs: Bunn, Okore, Lescott, Bacuna, Westwood, Traore, Gestede

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Capoue, Watson; Paredes, Deeney, Abdi; Ighalo Subs: Arlauskis, Anya, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Berghuis, Jurado, Diamanti

Listen to Sports Mole's prediction for the clash at Villa Park below.

Follow live minute-by-minute commentary of the match here.