Squad sheets: Sunderland v Aston Villa

Sunderland are unbeaten in the league for two months but five of their last six games have ended in stalemate and there is a pressing need to turn draws into wins. The paradox is that while Steve Bruce's new 4-5-1 formation has afforded his team the division's third best defensive record its installation has prompted a goal drought. One of three sides to win at the Stadium of Light last season, Villa will aim to deny Simon Mignolet, Sunderland's Belgian Under-21 goalkeeper who continues to keep Scotland's Craig Gordon on the bench, a third straight clean sheet. Might Villa's Stewart Downing, impressive here during a loan stint from Middlesbrough, remind Wearside of his talent? Louise Taylor Venue Stadium of Light, tomorrow 3pm Tickets £24-£28 (0871 911 1973) Last season Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 2 Referee M Halsey This season's matches 4 Y 9, R 0, 2.25 cards per game Odds Sunderland 6-4 Aston Villa 21-10 Draw 23-10 Sunderland Subs from Gordon, Mensah, Da Silva, Ferdinand, Riveros, Zenden, Angeleri, Gyan Doubtful None Injured Reid, Richardson (both hamstring, 30 Oct), Campbell, Meyler (both knee, Mar) Suspended None Form guide DDDDDW Disciplinary record Y13 R2 Leading scorer Bent 5 Aston Villa Subs from Guzan, Cuéllar, Sidwell, Albrighton, Carew, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj, Hogg Doubtful None Injured L Young (hamstring, Nov), Agbonlahor (groin, Nov,) Weimann, (ankle, Jan), Delph (knee, Jan) Suspended None Form guide DLWDLW Disciplinary record Y14 R1 Leading scorer Downing 3 Match pointers • Sunderland have lost one of their last 14 league home games since Villa beat them on Wearside last December • Villa have lost four of their last five league away matches but are unbeaten in their last five visits to Sunderland • Sunderland have drawn their last five league games, the last two ending goalless • John Carew has conceded the most fouls without being booked (15) and fired off the second most shots without scoring (17) • 67% of the players used by Sunderland this season are English – a divisional high