Preview: Stoke City vs. Aston Villa

Another crunch match awaits Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League when they go up against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The Midlands outfit dropped into the bottom three of the table following Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, leaving them out of safety on goal difference alone.

Meanwhile, Villa's opponents Stoke are not quite out of danger just yet as they reside four points away from the drop zone following a run that has resulted in just one victory out of their last six encounters.

Villa, on the other hand, have managed to gain three wins in their last six, but with seven games left to play, boss Paul Lambert's young side will aim to get maximum points from their run-in.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock in the reverse fixture in December, but with more at stake this time around, goals will be vital for either club.

Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome could start up front for the Potters, while Villa striker Christian Benteke is expected to be relied on for goal threat.

Recent form

Stoke City: LDLLL

Aston Villa: LWWLL

Possible starting lineups

Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Shotton, Whelan, N'Zonzi, Walters; Crouch, Jerome

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett; Sylla, Westwood, Bannan; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor

Sports Mole says: 1-2