Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has decided to start with Christian Benteke in attack as his side welcome Sunderland in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Belgium striker is also supported by the forward presence of both Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann as Villa go in search of an important home win.

The home side have also given starts to Ashley Westwood and Karim El Ahmadi, who both scored as Villa came from two behind to grab a draw against West Bromwich Albion last time out.

The visitors have stuck with their trusted 4-5-1 formation, with Steven Fletcher leading the Sunderland line up top, while support comes from Fabio Borini and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Defender Wes Brown has also been given his place back in the side after the red card he picked up against Stoke City was rescinded earlier in the week.

Aston Villa: Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Luna, Delph, Westwood, El Ahmadi, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann

Sunderland: Mannone; Bardsley, Dossena, Brown, O'Shea, Ki, Gardner, Larsson, Borini, Giaccherini, Fletcher