Birmingham’s loan signing Teemu Tainio is hopeful of recovering from a calf strain suffered on international duty.
The Finn could make his debut, while striker Christian Benitez is poised for his first Premier League start.
Villa could field £19m worth of new signings in defence. Richard Dunne is likely to start, with James Collins and Stephen Warnock also hoping for debuts.
Emile Heskey must overcome a tight hamstring if he is to feature against his former club.
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