Premier League Preview: Aston Villa v West Brom

Aston Villa will want to avoid the slow start that cost them two early goals when they last met West Brom as the two sides play on Wednesday.

Shane Long, who has since joined Hull City, put West Brom ahead in the third minute of the reverse fixture back in November, before chipping over Brad Guzan eight minutes later to double the advantage.

A triple second-half substitution by Paul Lambert sparked his charges into life, with Karim El Ahmadi and Ashley Westwood finding the net to earn Villa a point.

However, a lot has changed at Villa’s Midlands rivals since then. In addition to Long swapping The Hawthorns for the KC Stadium, Pepe Mel has replaced Steve Clarke as head coach.

The Spaniard oversaw a 1-1 draw with Everton in his first game in charge, while Villa also picked up a point against Merseyside opposition last time out, letting a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Liverpool.

Both sides should feel fresh heading into this tie having had the weekend off due to their FA Cup third-round eliminations and, with the battle for top-flight survival proving so tight this season, they will be desperate to avoid being dragged closer to the relegation zone.

Aston Villa hold the advantage in the head-to-head record between these clubs, but recent history shows this to be one of the most hotly contested fixtures in the Premier League, with the last 15 meetings either ending all square or in a 2-1 victory.

Gabriel Agbonlahor (foot) remains a major doubt for the hosts on Wednesday, while Nathan Baker (concussion) is thought to be nearing a return.

West Brom will be without Stephane Sessegnon (groin), who is set to be out for another month, but Gareth McAuley is back in contention following a hamstring problem.

Striker Nicolas Anelka, who has underlined his desire to stay at West Brom, is eligible to play after denying a Football Association charge over his ‘quenelle’ gesture.