For the first time this season Dick Advocaat may name an unchanged Sunderland team in the Premier League, after they picked up their first point against Swansea City last week.

Goalkeeper

Once again this is really a no brainer with Costel Pantillimon remaining between the sticks for Sunderland due to various reasons. Firstly, main backup goalkeeper Vito Mannone is carrying a knock at the moment so he has no competition. The 'keeper has also been one of the shining lights in a poor start to the campaign.

Last week's game against Swansea was one of the best in the Romanian's career, as he pulled off numerous top draw saves to help the team hang on to the 1-1 scoreline. The last of his stops was surely the best and an early contender for save of the season as he clawed out Bafetimbi Gomis's point blank header; he'll be keeping his spot.

Defence

The back four will more or less pick itself as the two other senior defenders in the squad, apart from the starting unit last week, are out injured in the form of Younes Kaboul and Adam Matthews. The latter picked up an ankle injury in the League Cup win over Exeter City.

That means Billy Jones, who did not play in midweek as a precaution, will keep his place at right-back while John O'Shea, Sebastian Coates and Patrick Van Aanholt will remain alongside. The latter pair of Coates and Van Aanholt have had particularly bad starts to the season, and letting in three against League two opposition isn't a good omen.

Midfield

Once again, it is hard to see Advocaat making any changes with him opting for a three central-midfielder system. Two of those will definitely be club captain Lee Cattermole alongside Yann M'Vila, who was very impressive against Swansea, in order to keep protection up for a nervy back four.

As for who plays in front of that pair, Jack Rodwell is most likely to remain - as he did last week - following a better performance than what he managed at Leicester City on the opening day. Plus, he did manage to score in the Capital One Cup game. A more aggressive option though is to bring in the new signing of Ola Toivonen, who has arrived on loan from Stade Rennes.

The Swedish international has played under Advocaat before at PSV Eindohoven so knows his ways, and would offer slightly more flair than Rodwell but it could be risky to throw him in at the deep end at Villa Park.

Attack

The head coach seems reluctant to switch from his 4-3-3 setup, so expect no change here with two wide players around a central striker. The two Jer(e)main's, Defoe and Lens, should start the match as Sunderland's main goal threats after the former netted a hat-trick in the cup while the latter was rested.

As for who joins them, there are three options in the form of Danny Graham or Steven Fletcher - to play down the middle - or Duncan Watmore, who would feature on the right side. Fans are crying out for Watmore who has already outscored Graham as a Sunderland player within just a handful of appearances. However, Fletcher is likely to get the nod despite picking up a knock against Exeter meaning Defoe will be pushed out wide again.

Predicted XI 

Sunderland XI to face Aston Villa: (4-3-3) Pantillimon; Jones, Coates, O'Shea, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, M'Vila, Rodwell; Defoe, Fletcher, Lens.