No change for Sunderland

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has named an unchanged side today as he attempts to end a run of five successive Premier League draws with victory over Aston Villa.

That means only a seat on the bench once again for record signing Asamoah Gyan with the Black Cats unbeaten in six league games.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has made just one change to the team which drew 0-0 with Chelsea last weekend as striker Emile Heskey returns from a back injury in place of John Carew.

Contract rebel Ashley Young has also been also included, and there is a seat on the bench for midfielder Marc Albrighton following his recovery from illness.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Onuoha, Turner, Bramble, Bardsley, Elmohamady, Henderson, Cattermole, Malbranque, Welbeck, Bent.

Subs: Gordon, Zenden, Mensah, Da Silva, Riveros, Ferdinand, Gyan.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Downing, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Ashley Young, Ireland, Heskey.

Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Albrighton, Clark, Cuellar, Bannan.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).