Double defensive blow for Villa

Aston Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald will be without defensive duo Carlos Cuellar and James Collins for the Barclays Premier League opener against West Ham tomorrow.

Cuellar has failed to recover from a hamstring injury while Collins is ruled out with a calf problem.

Curtis Davies could partner Richard Dunne at the back if he shakes off a knee problem. If not, then rookie Ciaran Clark, who made his first Premier League start against Fulham 12 months ago, could deputise.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is also battling to overcome a hamstring injury in time to face the Hammers.

Team (from): Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Lichaj, Beye, Dunne, Davies, Clark, Warnock, Ashley Young, Downing, Albrighton, Petrov, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Carew, Delfouneso, Heskey, Agbonlahor.