Ole reveals team news for Villa encounter

There were 11 changes for the Carabao Cup loss to West Ham United in midweek and the manager could return to his regular Premier League starters against the Midlanders.

Furthermore, there is a boost with Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani being available for selection again.

The classy South American has only played once this season, as a substitute during the 1-0 victory at Wolves last month, but is fit again and raring to go.

"Edinson has joined in training fully after that game [on Wednesday] and he’s held his hand up and is ready," declared Ole to club media reporter Stewart Gardner.

"Last season as well, he didn't have a pre-season when he came here. He's so professional and meticulous and, of course, we're glad to now have him back training with us and in the squad."

The boss admits he has a selection headache with so many players vying for spots, with only Marcus Rashford and Amad ruled out due to injury.

"We didn't lose anyone on Wednesday night," added Ole. "It gives me selection headaches [smiles], which is what I'd rather have than the other way around. Sometimes you have to leave players out that you don't feel deserve to be left out.

“But that's the nature of the beast and we've got to make sure we are ready for every single game."

VILLA TEAM NEWS

Axel Tuanzebe is out due to the fact he is on loan from the Reds. "He's a wonderful character and his game is getting better and better," commented manager Dean Smith. "He'll be a big loss but we have to decide whether to go to a back four or stick with a five."

As expected, new winger Leon Bailey is sidelined, along with hamstring victim Morgan Sanson. "Leon has a strain which is likely to keep him out until after the [international] break," confirmed Smith on Friday. 

Matt Targett is still a doubt but John McGinn has been passed fit.