Football: Foxes duo miss Villa Park trip

Aston Villa midfielder Ian Taylor hopes to shake off a slight knee problem for the FA Cup fourth round tie with Leicester City at Villa Park.

Taylor, who has only just returned to action after a lengthy absence with a hamstring strain, limped off during Wednesday's defeat at the hands of Leeds United.

Villa boss John Gregory, who has seen his side lose their last five Premiership games, is considering a recall for striker Dion Dublin.

The former England international was dropped to the bench for the clash with Leeds, but is set to return against Leicester to partner Juan Pablo Angel in attack.

The likely return of Dublin will see Paul Merson move back into his more accustomed advanced midfield role following his spell in the front line against Leeds.

Villa are once again without their skipper Gareth Southgate who faces another few weeks on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.

Leicester City manager Peter Taylor is "down to the bare bones" for the Villa Park clash.

Midfielder Muzzy Izzet (neck) and new signing Dean Sturridge (hamstring) are ruled out with injuries picked up in last weekend's goalless draw with Arsenal.

They join Tim Flowers, Darren Eadie, Stefan Oakes and Frank Sinclair on the casualty list.

Ade Akinbiyi is set for a recall in place of Sturridge, while Steve Guppy is likely to fill Izzet's shoes as part of the midfield quartet.

Villa team (from): James, Alpay, Staunton, Barry, Stone, Boateng, Hendrie, Merson, Wright, Angel, Dublin, Vassell, Delaney, Ginola, Samuel, Enckleman.

Leicester team (from): Royce, Rowett, Taggart, Elliott, Davidson, Impey, Savage, Jones, Guppy, Akinbiyi, Mancini, Gunnlaugsson, Price, Benjamin, Gilchrist, Cresswell.