Preview: Villa vs Derby

Derby County continue to struggle in their efforts to climb up the Premier League table and their challenge will get no easier against 10th placed Aston Villa. The trip to Villa Park will be a hugely difficult one for Derby, who are desperate to pick up points.

Villa have failed to impress over the past two weeks, losing 4-1 at home to Manchester United before last weekend's 1-1 draw with Bolton - the side battling against Derby for avoidance of the bottom spot in the league.

The West Midlands outfit has also had to battle against a potential player crisis, with Gareth Barry and Olof Mellberg linked with Chelsea and Juventus respectively.

Arguably the most important players in the Villa side, manager Martin O'Neill will have been relieved to hear Barry deny the link, while pushing through a new contract for Mellberg.

"I'd like to reassure fans that I am not looking to leave," said the England midfielder, although Chelsea are notorious for chasing players they desire.

County manager Billy Davies has his own future to worry about, although new chairman Adam Pearson has spoken out in support of the former Preston boss.

"Billy has done a fantastic job to get the club into the Premier League and, if the worst came to the worst and we went down, we couldn't have a better manager to bring us back up. We are absolutely 100 per cent committed to him," Pearson said this week.

Both sides are virtually injury free, although Villa's Norwegian striker John Carew is rated doubtful despite the improving condition of his knee.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Aston Villa 2-0 Derby

It's three points all the way for Villa, as Derby continue to sit rock bottom of the Premiership. You have to wonder where on earth Derby are going to pick up points this season, and the same goes at Villa Park.

Goalscorer: Ashley Young