Aston Villa will check on the fitness of Stephen Ireland ahead of Kevin MacDonald's final game in charge at Stoke on Monday night. Ireland suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up to the Everton clash a fortnight ago and was replaced by Nigel Reo-Coker.Steve Sidwell could also come into contention for a place in midfield after playing 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek following his recovery from an Achilles injury.Defender James Collins is expected to be fit after suffering a severe black eye when on duty for Wales against Montenegro last weekend.MacDonald will be in charge as caretaker manager for the final time before Gerard Houllier officially takes command.Kick-off at the Britannia Stadium is at 8pm.Villa (from): Friedel, Luke Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Ashley Young, Downing, Carew, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Ireland, Guzan, Delfouneso, Cuellar, Lichaj, Bannan.
Source: Team_Talk