Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
Aston Villa
4-5-1
Stoke
© WhoScored.com

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(47) 32 Goals 18 (33)
(32) 21 Assists 11 (20)
(6.6) 6.8 Average Ratings 6.7 (6.6)
24.3 Average Age 27.1
180.7 Average Height (cm) 187.1
(0.8) 0.9 Shots pg 0.7 (0.8)
(51%) 54% Aerial Duel Success 58% (59%)
(0.5) 0.5 Dribbles pg 0.3 (0.3)
(1.5) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.5 (1.7)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Premier League.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Stilian Petrov Out N/A
Richard Dunne Out N/A
Enda Stevens Out 6.47
Gary Gardner Out 6.04
Joe Bennett Out 6.6
Ron Vlaar Doubtful 7
Player Reason Status Rating
Marc Wilson Out 6.86
Charlie Adam Out 6.52
Andy Wilkinson Doubtful 6.51
Peter Crouch Doubtful 7.09
Michael Owen Doubtful 6.13

Team News

Aston Villa
  • Villa suffered a blow last week with the news that Richard Dunne has suffered a setback to his recovery from injury and the defender is likely to be out until the New Year.
  • This game may also come too soon for captain Ron Vlaar, and if Villa were to stick with 3 centre-backs as they did at QPR, debutant Derrick Williams would hope to vie for a starting berth with Chris Herd.
  • Darren Bent returned to the squad last weekend and will hope to go one better this time out by making the starting XI, but is unlikely to do so as Lambert seems hesitant to partner the England international with Christian Benteke.
Stoke
  • Peter Crouch remains a doubt up front, so Kenwyne Jones could keep his place after a rare outing at West Brom last weekend.
  • Pulis may not make any unforced changes after the win, though competition remains fierce on the left between Etherington and Kightly, with the latter coming on to assist fellow substitute Dean Whitehead for the winner.
  • The goalscorer last week could start due to a suspension for Charlie Adam, and elsewhere Andy Wilkinson should be match fit once again and will hope regain his place over Ryan Shotton at right-back.

Prediction

  • Entertainment in matches between Villa and Stoke is often scarce, with just 8 goals in their past 6 encounters, with 5 of the last 7 ending in draws.
  • Despite being the home side, Villa may have to deal with early pressure from Stoke, who have scored the highest proportion of goals in the opening 15 minutes in the Premier League this season (29%), while Villa have netted just once in that time.
  • Despite a number of injuries, Paul Lambert's side have defended well in the last two games and will need to do so once again here in what is likely to be a tight game, potentially decided by goals from set pieces.
Prediction:
Aston Villa
1
1
Stoke
© WhoScored.com

Latest Comments

 
  • Synj

    Aston Villa's formation isn't 442, it's 352 with Lowton and Lichaj as wingbacks

    27 weeks ago
        Report
See all comments

Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
13 Stoke 9 15 14 42 lwwdld
15 A. Villa 10 11 17 41 dlwwld

Top Players

Aston Villa
Stoke
C. Benteke 7.45
M. Lowton 7.1
R. Vlaar 7
P. Crouch 7.09
R. Huth 6.94
G. Whelan 6.86
C. Benteke 19
G. Agbonlahor 9
A. Weimann 7
J. Walters 8
P. Crouch 7
C. Adam 3
A. Westwood 6
C. N'Zogbia 4
C. Benteke 4
P. Crouch 4
G. Whelan 4
C. Jerome 3

Match Forecast

There will be a high number of cards shown  
Aston Villa will steal the ball from the opposition often  
Stoke will score from a setpiece situation  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.

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Data sources: Data Sources