Gardner available for Villa

Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has shaken off a groin problem in time to face Manchester United at Villa Park.

Gardner, who has scored in Villa’s last two matches with Tottenham and West Ham, was forced to withdraw from the England under-21 squad but has responded to treatment and is back in training.

Striker John Carew has started rehabilitation work after a month out with knee ligament damage and could come into contention for the following weekend’s clash at Bolton.

Villa will be seeking their first league win over the Red Devils for 12 years.

Team (from): Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Gardner, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Moore, Agbonlahor, Taylor, Sorensen, Harewood, Davies, Petrov, Berger, Osbourne, Maloney.