Houllier includes three centre-backs for derby clash

Gerard Houllier included three centre-backs in his line-up for the derby clash with Birmingham at Villa Park.

Houllier drafted in youngster Ciaran Clark, who this week signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal, in addition to Richard Dunne and James Collins.

Luke Young had recovered from a hamstring injury after a three-match absence and replaced Habib Beye, who picked up an ankle injury in the Carling Cup win over Burnley.

Blues playmaker Alexander Hleb had recovered from the knee injury suffered against Blackpool weekend and former Villa midfielder Craig Gardner was included for his first league game since completing a three match suspension.

Cameron Jerome and Jean Beausejour were fit enough to be named amongst the substitutes.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Downing, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Warnock, Ashley Young, Heskey. Subs: Guzan, Ireland, Carew, Delfouneso, Cuellar, Bannan, Lichaj.

Birmingham: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Larsson, Gardner, Ferguson, Fahey, Hleb, Zigic. Subs: Taylor, Bowyer, Phillips, Jerome, Michel, Parnaby, Beausejour.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)