Milner, Mellberg, Barry set for derby action

James Milner is poised to return for Aston Villa after a five-week absence with a virus for Sunday’s home derby with Birmingham.

The on-loan Newcastle midfielder, who has missed six games, is set to replace Lee Hendrie – who is doubtful with the foot injury suffered in a challenge by West Brom defender Paul Robinson last weekend.

Villa boss David O’Leary is also likely to have skipper Olof Mellberg and midfielder Gareth Barry available to face Blues after hamstring and knee problems respectively as Villa bid to complete their first double over Blues since their return to the top flight four seasons ago.

Provisional squad: Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Cahill, Ridgewell, Milner, Davis, McCann, Barry, Agbonlahor, Phillips, Baros, Moore, Angel, Hendrie, Taylor, Gardner, De la Cruz, Whittingham.