Sunderland have made a dismal start to the season and the three goals they conceded against Exeter in the League Cup highlighted the need for improvement. Aston Villa had their own scare against lower division opposition in midweek and have been inconsistent, but even in the games they have lost, they have been competitive. Rudy Gestede should be able to bully Sunderland’s fragile defence and create chances for himself and fellow attackers. Graham Searles
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Vila 0 Sunderland 0
Referee R Madley
This season G1, Y4, R0, 4.0 cards per game
Odds H 10-11 A 15-4 D 13-5
Aston Villa
Subs from Bunn, Baker, Hutton, Gil, Ayew, Sánchez, Richardson, Vertout, Kozak, Crespo, Bennett, N’Zogbia, Traoré
Doubtful Traoré (ankle)
Injured None
Suspended None
Form WLL
Discipline Y9 R0
Leading scorer Gestede 1
Sunderland
Subs from Mannone, Kaboul, Fletcher, Larsson, Toivonen, Watmore, Brown, Giaccherini, Bridcutt, Buckley
Doubtful None
Injured Gómez (knee, 13 Sep), Matthews (ankle, Oct), Johnson (shoulder, Oct)
Suspended None
Form LLD
Discipline Y9 R0
Leading scorer Defoe 2
