Preview: Sunderland vs. Aston Villa

Sunderland could move out of the Premier League's bottom three with a win over Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light on New Year's Day.

The Black Cats go into the game in the best spell of form that they have enjoyed all season, going five games without a defeat in all competitions and coming from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw against Cardiff in their last outing.

However, despite their mini-revival, Gus Poyet's side still sit bottom of the table and would need other results to go their way if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.

The Black Cats have already beaten the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Southampton and Manchester City at home this season, but they are without a win in their last six meetings with Villa.

Poyet will be without Kieren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar through injury, while Wes Brown will serve the final game of his suspension. Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini, meanwhile, are doubts due to illness.

Despite sitting seven places above their opponents in the league, Villa will be wary that they are on the brink of being dragged into another relegation battle.

Just one point from the last 15 available has left them four points clear of the bottom three, a gap that could be slashed to just one if results go against them on Wednesday.

Villa have been inconsistent on their travels so far this season, winning three, drawing three and losing three of their away matches, although their last two have resulted in defeat.

Paul Lambert may be boosted by the returns of Christian Benteke and Ron Vlaar, both whom face late fitness tests, but they will definitely be without Ciaran Clark through suspension and Chris Herd, Joe Bennett, Charles N'Zogbia and Jores Okore due to injury.

Recent form

Sunderland: LDWDWD Aston Villa: WLLLLD

Possible starting lineups:

Sunderland: Mannone; Bardsley, Roberge, Diakite, Dossena; Giaccherini, Larsson, Colback, Ki, Borini; Fletcher

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Luna; Bacuna, Westwood, Delph; Albrighton, Benteke, Agbonlahor

Sports Mole says: 2-2