Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hopes for a return to form when his side host Sunderland on Saturday.
Villa aim to get back on course
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill hopes for a return to form when his side host Sunderland on Saturday.
Villa have stumbled in their last three games after taking only two points but O'Neill remains determined that they can still qualify for Europe with eight games left.
O'Neill's side head into the game seventh in the Premier League but are seven points adrift of fifth-placed Everton and the manager is keen to get back on track.
Mellberg out
Defender Olof Mellberg is ruled out of the clash as he serves a one-match suspension following his sending-off against Portsmouth last weekend.
Craig Gardner will step in after being declared fit for the game.
The England U21 player has returned to training this week after missing the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth with a back problem suffered against Middlesbrough in the previous game.
O'Neill has no other fresh injury worries.
Away woes
Sunderland will attempt to end a run of four games without a win at Villa.
The Black Cats have not won away from the Stadium of Light this season, a run of 15 games which has brought just three points and significantly contributed to their drop to 17th in the table.
They have not scored in their last four games and go into the match just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Boss Roy Keane's injury worries have, however, eased ahead of the clash.
Dickson Etuhu is still missing with a knee problem, but Anthony Stokes has recovered from illness and may return.
Daryl Murphy, Kieran Richardson and Michael Chopra, who all missed out on last week's 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea, could also return to the squad.
