Agbonlahor has missed training for the past two days through illness and his condition will be assessed during the next 24 hours by manager Gerard Houllier. Fellow striker John Carew is available after a four-game absence due to a calf problem.

Houllier confirmed defender James Collins will play after he missed the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn, also with a calf injury. Young midfielder Jonathan Hogg is Villa's only new injury doubt after suffering an ankle injury at Ewood Park. Robert Pires will be included in the 18 to face his former club.

Team (from): Friedel, L Young, Clark, Dunne, Warnock, Ireland, Hogg, Bannan, Downing, A Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Collins, Pires, Delfouneso, Herd, Guzan, Osbourne, Lichaj, Lowry.