England international Darren Bent has been included in the Aston Villa starting lineup for this evening's Premier League encounter against Newcastle United at Villa Park.

Bent, who has spent a large part of the campaign on the bench, will partner Christian Benteke in attack.

Meanwhile, visiting Newcastle have handed debuts to striker Yoan Gouffran and midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Bennett; Westwood, Bannan; N'Zogbia; Benteke, Bent

Newcastle: Krul; Debuchy, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Santon; Perch, Cabaye; Gouffran, Sissoko, Gutierrez; Cisse