Aston Villa V Everton at Villa Park : Match Preview

25 August 2012 08:13
Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso will boost manager Paul Lambert's attacking options after being cleared to face Everton.

The forward missed last weekend's Barclays Premier League opening defeat against West Ham with a thigh problem but, like defender Chris Herd, will be included in the squad for the Villa Park clash. Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor (knee), defender Richard Dunne (groin) and winger Marc Albrighton (foot) are still sidelined while youngster Samir Carruthers has an ankle problem.

Lambert has ruled out moves for strikers Jermain Defoe and Kenwyne Jones, but admits he is in the market for new signings before the transfer window closes next week. Villa have been linked with Tottenham striker Defoe and Stoke frontman Jones in recent days, with Darren Bent currently their only available proven goalscorer. However, Lambert - who is thought to be keen to offload defenders Stephen Warnock and Dunne - insists that while new faces may arrive, neither of those two will be among them.

"They are two top, top players, those lads. But that's not going to happen here," he said. "I have seen the rumours linking us with some players but a lot of them aren't going to happen." He added: "I have never stopped looking. Someone might come in.

"We'll have to wait and see. You can never be quite sure until someone walks through the door and they are actually here."

Everton manager David Moyes will make a late decision on whether to include Kevin Mirallas in his squad. The Belgium international has only had a couple of days' training since signing on Sunday and although he has had intensive sessions Moyes is unsure about the player's fitness. Sylvain Distin (back) and Nikica Jelavic (groin) are minor injury concerns.

Moyes has not ruled out adding to his squad before the close of the window. "I think we have got a good team," said the Scot. "You could see we had a strong bench against United but if we lose one or two we will be short so we have to try to maybe add one or two more. "But if I don't I won't be too disappointed."

Aston Villa V Everton - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA