Cuellar could make debut

Villa defender Carlos Cuellar could be in contention for his debut against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Monday.

The Spanish centre-back, a £7.8m signing from Rangers last month, has come through two reserve matches unscathed since recovering from a calf problem.

Wide player James Milner may start for the first time since his £12m switch from Newcastle after being a substitute during the goalless draw with Liverpool a fortnight ago.

Midfielder Craig Gardner is expected to be fit to face Juande Ramos’ side after withdrawing from the England Under-21 squad with a tight hamstring but fellow midfielder Steve Sidwell is again unlikely to feature after sustaining a knee problem on reserve duty.

Provisional squad: Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Davies, Cuellar, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Barry, Reo-Coker, A Young, Petrov, Gardner, Osbourne, Routledge, Guzan, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood.