Blues will have David Bentley in the squad after signing him pn loan until the end of the season from Spurs. Scott Dann is out injured after coming off at West Ham with a hamstring problem, he could be replaced by either Liam Ridgewell or Martin Jiranek. Lee Bowyer's 3 game ban is over and could make a place in the squad. James McFadden and Enric Valles are still unavailable due to injury.

Alex McLeish stated in a pre match interview:
"The players were very disappointed to lose against West Ham after having total control in the second half apart from one moment. But I don't think they have any reason to feel dejected or to lose confidence. I think on the other hand, a lot of them should be moving forward in their confidence because one or two found out about themselves in the second half. They actually added a bit to their game. We've got video evidence to show them that and we will talk to them about that. It was really encouraging for us. I am really looking forward to the game and the fans supporting their teams from the terraces and having the banter that goes with it. I'd like to think they are mature enough to go into this game and just support the team from behind the barriers. We want them to make the atmosphere hostile, with all the passion in the world, but within the parameters. We've got a bit closer to Villa in terms of the technical side but in terms of financial riches, they are still way, way ahead of us. Obviously it is a help to see a couple of star players (Young and Heskey) not being involved but they've got so many other star players."

The referee in charge of todays game wil be Mark Clattenburg, based in County Durham, has refereed 23 games so far this season, producing 64 yellow cards and three reds. he will be assissted by Scott Ledger from Yorkshire and Adam Watts from Worcestershire.

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