Anyone placing a bet on Darren Bent whether will see the pitch today? He's making progress -- he's on the bench for the second week running. Unlike Charles Nzogbia, who's apparently recovered from his knee injury, but hasn't been granted a place amongst the substitutes.

As for Stoke, well, I guess it says a lot for how much I watch the Potters that I was more familiar with their substitutes than their starters. I'm sure it's a normal starting XI for Tony Pulis, though. He doesn't seem the type to enjoy change.

Aston Villa Starting XI: Brad Guzan; Eric Lichaj, Nathan Baker, Ciaran Clark, Matthew Lowton; Barry Bannan, Ashley Westwood, Chris Herd; Gabby Agbonlahor, Christian Benteke, Brett Holman

Villa substitutes (from): Shay Given, Stephen Ireland, Karim El Ahmadi, Andreas Weimann, Derrick Williams, Fabian Delph, Darren Bent.

Stoke City Starting XI: Asmir Begovic, Geoff Cameron, Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross, Ryan Shotton, Glenn Whelan, Steven Nzonzi, Matthew Etherington, Dean Whitehead, Kenwyne Jones, Jonathan Walters

Stoke substitutes (from): Thomas Sorensen, Wilson Palacios, Matthew Upson, Michael Kightly, Peter Crouch, Andy Wilkinson, Cameron Jerome.