Villa’s Derby Injury Blow

Derby disaster number one. Villa captain Olof Mellberg has aggravated his injury in training and will not feature in the local match v West Bromwich Albion.

David O’Leary said: ‘Olof has seen the physio and he doesn’t feel right just yet. It’s a blow but we’ve just got to get on with things. Olof is a big player for us and he is the captain but he doesn’t feel right to play on Sunday.’

So why not move Wilfred Bouma into the centre where he plays for Holland? Gareth Barry (if fit) could slot easily into the left back position although reports at the moment are suggesting Barry is also struggling for fitness after picking up a knock to his calf.

With Delaney still out it seems likely that Aaron Hughes will partner Liam Ridgwell at the back.