Sunderland vs Aston Villa preview: Bottom clubs clash in relegation six-pointer

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

It’s a big game for…

Wes Brown: With Sunderland lacking defensive options due to injuries, the former Manchester United veteran could well be called upon by Sam Allardyce to shepherd the Black Cats’ defense.

Best stat…

Sunderland have not beaten Villa for five years – their last win was back in January 2011 at Villa Park.

Remember when…

Yann M'Vila scored this wonderful opener when these two teams last met at the beginning of this season in August at Villa Park. A Scott Sinclair brace salvaged a point for the hosts.

Player to watch…

Yann M'Vila: The French midfielder has proved to be an inspired season-long loan signing for the Black Cats. He has had more minutes on the pitch than any of his team-mates. In what could be a key game in the relegation dogfight, Sam Allardyce could well be pining his hopes on the midfielder to deliver the goods.

Past three-meetings…

Aston Villa 2 (Sinclair 2) Sunderland 2 (M’Vila, Lens), Premier League, August 2015

Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 4 (Benteke 2, Agbonlahor 2), Premier League, March 2015

Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0, Premier League, December 2014

Form guide…

Sunderland: WWLLLL

Aston Villa: LDLDDL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10:30pm