Villa unchanged for Everton clash

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has named an unchanged side for tonight's Premiership clash with Everton.

O’Neill will keep faith with the team which had fought out a goalless draw with Liverpool on the same ground a fortnight ago – with central defender Martin Laursen not included in the 16 even though he has recovered from a hamstring injury.

Villa have won only two of their previous 18 League games since a 1-0 victory at Everton in early November going into tonight’s contest.

Toffees boss David Moyes makes just one change from the side which defeated Arsenal, with Tony Hibbert coming into the side at right-back – allowing Phil Neville to push into midfield at the expense of Manuel Fernandes.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, Bardsley, Mellberg, Cahill, Bouma, Agbonlahor, Petrov, McCann, Barry, Carew, Young.

Subs: Taylor, Davis, Hughes, Berger, Maloney.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Lescott, Osman, Carsley, Neville, Arteta, Johnson, Vaughan.

Subs: Wright, Naysmith, Beattie, Nuno Valente, Anichebe.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).