New Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has recalled striker Gabriel Agbonlahor for the visit of Stoke City, and partners him in a front three alongside Christian Benteke and Scott Sinclair.
Carles Gil has recovered from injury and starts in midfield, but defensive duo Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos remain on the sidelines.
Stoke are without their captain Ryan Shawcross, who is still suffering with a back problem, while fellow defender Marc Muniesa is out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
Marc Wilson and Erik Pieters come into the side, but Geoff Cameron misses out through suspension.
Aston Villa: Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Clark, Richardson; Delph, Sanchez, Gil, Sinclair, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Stoke City: Begovic; Bardsley, Wilson, Wollscheid, Pieters; N'Zonzi, Ireland, Whelan; Moses, Diouf, Walters.
Joe Sharratt
