Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has the privilege of naming Darren Bent on the bench for the trip to face West Bromwich Albion.

The visiting side, who are in desperate need of a victory if they are to move out of the relegation zone, welcome Ron Vlaar back into the centre of defence.

Chris Brunt returns to the West Brom side as captain while Liam Ridgewell and Ben Foster come back into the team and Steve Clarke reverts back to his regular starters following the FA Cup defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

Peter Odemwingie, who has been linked with a move away from the club, partners Romelu Lukaku in attack for the hosts.

West Brom: Foster, Olsson, McAuley, Jones, Ridgewell, Dorrans, Yacob, Morrison, Brunt [c], Odemwingie, Lukaku

Aston Villa: Guzan, Vlaar [c], Clark, Bennett, Baker, Lowton, Westwood, Delph, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Benteke