Preview: Aston Villa vs. Sunderland

Two teams looking to bounce back from disappointing Boxing Day results meet at Villa Park on Sunday as Aston Villa entertain Sunderland in the Premier League.

The Black Cats failed to build on their Tyne-Wear derby win at Newcastle United as they fell to a 3-1 home defeat to Hull City, despite taking the lead inside a minute.

Villa are now three games without a win over the festive period after Gylfi Sigurdsson's free kick earned Swansea City a 1-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium.

Both teams, who are separated only by one place and one point in the table, will be aware that a couple more poor results could see them dragged right into the relegation mix.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was incensed following their loss at the Stadium of Light, citing a couple of "embarrassing" refereeing decisions going against them.

The Uruguayan was also vocal in his criticism about the fixture scheduling, which leaves only 48 hours for teams to recover ahead of their next Christmas contest.

It is because of that why he may choose to rotate. Jack Rodwell and Liam Bridcutt are in contention should Poyet feel that fresh legs are required, with the fit-again Emanuele Giaccherini another option.

Wes Brown is likely to be recalled at the expense of loanee Sebastian Coates to resume his familiar centre-back partnership with Manchester United alumni John O'Shea in the centre of the visiting defence.

There will also be changes up front, with Connor Wickham back from suspension. Ricky Alvarez is the most probable to miss out if Steven Fletcher is deemed healthy enough to play two games in three days.

Patrick van Aanholt and Anthony Reveillere are Poyet's only injury absentees, but Billy Jones, who made just his fifth appearance since his summer arrival against Hull, is back to reinforce the full-back positions.

Several injuries and suspensions mean that Lambert's resources are more limited, and he could stick with the majority of the side which put in a good showing in Wales - where they had 57% of possession.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's unavailability creates room for Andreas Weimann in a 5-3-2 system. His strike partner Christian Benteke bagged a hat-trick as Villa thrashed Sunderland in this fixture in April 2013.

Philippe Senderos, Ashley Westwood, Libor Kozak and Joe Cole remain out, with Kieran Richardson still serving a ban, so Fabian Delph may have to play three games in a week, despite his recent return from injury.

Villa are unbeaten in six matches against Sunderland in all competitions.

Villa:

Recent form: DWWLDL

Possible starting lineup: Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Okore, Clark, Cissokho; Sanchez, Cleverley; Weimann, Benteke

Sunderland:

Recent form: DLDDWL

Possible starting lineup: Pantilimon; Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Jones; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell; Wickham, Johnson; Fletcher

Sports Mole says: 1-0