Bannan starts for Villa

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan was handed his first Barclays Premier League start of the season against Newcastle at Villa Park.

The Scotland international replaced Emile Heskey, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw at Everton last weekend.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew brought in striker Demba Ba at the expense of Shola Ameobi in the only change from the side which drew 0-0 away to QPR on Monday.

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Bannan, Petrov, Delph, N’Zogbia, Bent, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Ireland, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Herd, Lowry, Gardner.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Best, Ba. Subs: Elliot, Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Perch, Marveaux, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)