Ireland set to miss Cup clash

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert could be forced to make at least one change for tomorrow night’s Capital One Cup tie against Manchester City.

Midfielder Stephen Ireland could miss out on a return to his former club after he left the pitch in the 4-1 defeat by Southampton with a suspected broken arm.

Chris Herd and Fabian Delph are both available after injuries and could feature but it could still be a game too soon for Marc Albrighton (foot) while Richard Dunne (groin) and Gary Gardner (ligaments) are long-term absentees.

Provisional squad: Given, Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Lichaj, Clark, Vlaar, Baker, Herd, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Bannan, Ireland, Delph, Holman, N’Zogbia, Bent, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Bowery, Weimann, Burke, Johnson, Williams.