League Two club Bradford City host Aston Villa in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday night looking to repeat the heroics that saw them defeat Arsenal in the previous round.

The Bantams defeated the Gunners on penalties but their form has tailed off in recent weeks as they have picked up just one point in their previous three matches.

Manager Phil Parkinson will be hopeful of having left-back James Meredith available after illness while there could be a recall for Carl McHugh.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert shuffled his pack for his side's 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, but he is expected to recall several players for the game with Bradford.

Darren Bent returned to the Villa starting lineup on Saturday but he is expected to return to the bench on Tuesday night, with Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann returning to the side.

Stephen Ireland could replace the injured Marc Albrighton, who has a foot injury.

Recent form

Bradford City: WDWLDL

Aston Villa: WLLLDW

Possible starting lineups:

Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Meredith; Jones, Atkinson, Jones, Doyle; Hanson, Wells

Aston Villa: Given; Clark, Bennett, Lichaj, Baker; N'Zogbia, Ireland, Delph, Bannan; Benteke, Weimann

Sports Mole says: 1-2

Previews by email