Aston Villa vs. Sunderland Preview: EPL Matchweek 35

April 26, 2013

By Daire McAnallen

Monday night’s Premier League match is a massive relegation clash between Aston Villa and Sunderland at Villa Park. Villa suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last Monday, which clinched the trophy for the Red Devils. Wigan also lost last weekend so Villa are still just three points ahead of the 18th-placed team, although the Latics do have a game-in-hand. The bigger blow for Villa last weekend was the victories for Stoke City and their opponents on Monday, Sunderland, which lifted both clubs to 37 points, alongside Newcastle United. Paolo Di Canio’s short reign as manager of the Black Cats has already taken them to within one win of 40 points following their incredible 0-3 win at rivals Newcastle and their impressive 1-0 win last weekend against Everton. Di Canio will be aiming for a third consecutive win, rather than settling for a point, which should make for an exciting game as both sides chase a crucial three points.

Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor played the full 90 minutes against United after returning from a groin injury so Paul Lambert is only without his long-term absentees, Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton, Richard Dunne and midfielder Gary Gardner, who is working his way back to full fitness after missing most of the season with knee ligament damage. Former Villain Craig Gardner is set to return for the Black Cats after suspension while Phil Bardsley is fighting to shake off an ankle problem but striker Connor Wickham will miss out once again with a calf injury. Despite both sides going for a win, I think they’ll likely share the points with a 1-1 draw and goals from Benteke for Villa and Sessegnon for Sunderland.