Problems for Black Cats

Sunderland have injury problems as they bid farewell to the Premiership at Aston Villa, with several players rated doubtful.

Justin Hoyte and Anthony Le Tallec were out of the first home win of the season over Fulham yesterday with knocks and they face late fitness tests.

Caretaker manager Kevin Ball also awaits the fitness of Julio Arca, Liam Lawrence and Jon Stead but has abandoned hopes of striker Stephen Elliott overcoming an Achilles problem.

Provisional squad: Davis, Nosworthy, Hoyte, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Welsh, Whitehead, Miller, Brown, Le Tallec, Alnwick, D Collins, Leadbitter, Kyle, D Murphy, Arca, Lawrence, Stead.