Aston Villa v Blackburn preview

Villa aiming to go fourth

Last updated: 25th January 2008

Scott Carson

Carson: Set for return

PREDCTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: Aston Villa 2 Blackburn 1

SKY BET odds: Aston Villa 5/6 Draw 9/4 Blackburn 11/4

One to Watch: Gabriel Agbonlahor

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European contenders Aston Villa and Blackburn lock horns in their rearranged Premier League clash on Saturday.

Both sides have brought the game forward in light of the fact the two teams were dumped out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage earlier this month.

Villa can go fourth with all three points, while Blackburn are hoping to go level on points with Villa with victory at Villa Park.

The home side welcome back Scott Carson after he was ineligible to face his parent club Liverpool on Monday night.

Carson is expected to go straight back into the starting line-up in place of Stuart Taylor.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is sweating over the fitness of captain Gareth Barry as he struggles to recover from a pelvic injury which forced him to miss the 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Craig Gardner is again on stand-by to replace him in midfield.

Olof Mellberg is expected to start despite doubts over his future at Villa Park, with Juventus claiming they are close to signing the Swedish international.

Injury blow

Blackburn make the trip to Villa without skipper Ryan Nelsen as he has been told to rest a niggling hamstring problem.

Zurab Khizanishvili is set to replace Nelsen at the heart of Blackburn's defence.

Jason Roberts will be hoping to keep his place in the starting line-up after earning a rare start against Middlesbrough last time out.

Veteran midfielder Tugay is doubtful with a groin problem, while Aaron Mokoena is away on international duty with South Africa.