Craig Gardner has been recalled to the Sunderland starting lineup for this evening's trip to his former club Aston Villa.

The midfielder has been banned for the last two matches, but he has been included in the side at Villa Park at the expense of Jack Colback.

Elsewhere, Danny Graham will feature as a lone striker, with support being provided by Stephane Sessegnon.

Meanwhile, the home side have handed a start to January signing Yacouba Sylla in the midfield for today's Premier League clash.

Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett; Westwood, Delph, Sylla; Weimann, Agbonlahor; Benteke

Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose; N'Diaye, Larsson, Gardner; Sessegnon, Johnson; Graham