Black Cats pair back in action

Sunderland are strengthened by the return from injury of full-back Stephen Wright (knee ligament) and Christian Bassila (hamstring) for a crucial relegation clash with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Wright has been out since the opening day of the season while former Strasbourg captain Bassila has missed the last five matches. Julio Arca (foot) will not be risked despite returning to training.

Justin Hoyte, signed on a season-long loan from Arsenal, returns to the defence after being ineligible for the match against his parent club, while teenage goalkeeper Ben Alnwick is again expected to be preferred to Kelvin Davis.

Manager Mick McCarthy is also expected to recall Stephen Elliott and Andy Gray to spearhead the attack in place of Jonathan Stead and Daryl Murphy.

Team from: Alnwick, Davis, Wright, Nosworthy, D Collins, Hoyte, Breen, Stubbs, Caldwell, Lawrence, Bassila, Whitehead, Miller, Welsh, Elliott, Gray, Stead, Murphy, Le Tallac, Robinson.