Houllier hands Hogg debut against United

Aston Villa handed a Barclays Premier League debut to midfielder Jonathan Hogg for the home clash with Manchester United.

The 21-year-old, who had a spell on loan at Darlington last season, came in for the injured Ciaran Clark.

Hogg’s only other start for Villa was in a Europa League play-off tie away to Rapid Vienna in August.

Villa’s bench was packed with youngsters, including youth team captain Daniel Johnson and Australian duo Chris Herd and Shane Lowry.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor returned to the starting line-up for the first time since mid-September after recovering from a groin problem.

United midfielder Paul Scholes had to serve a one game ban after incurring five bookings this season while defender Rafael (dead leg) was ruled out.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez was recalled to the starting line-up and Wes Brown replaced Rafael.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Hogg, Bannan, Downing, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Guzan, Delfouneso, Osbourne, Lichaj, Herd, Lowry, Johnson.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani, Hernandez, Berbatov.

Subs: Amos, Smalling, Fabio Da Silva, O’Shea, Obertan, Macheda, Gibson.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)