Steven Fletcher makes his first Premier League start for Sunderland since January as he partners Jermain Defoe up front for today's crucial relegation clash with Aston Villa.

Patrick van Aanholt gets the nod in defence ahead of Santiago Vergini, while Billy Jones has to settle for a place on the bench.

Tim Sherwood starts with Belgian striker Christian Benteke after he sat out the FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion with a hip injury.

Aly Cissokho, Kieran Richardson and Nathan Baker all remain on the sidelines so Leandro Bacuna starts in defence.

Sunderland Pantilimon; Reveillere, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea; Larrson, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Alvarez; Fletcher, Defoe

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Okore, Clark, Bacuna; Delph, Cleverley, Sinclair, N'Zogbia; Benteke, Agbonlahor

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