After losing again at home to Manchester United, Aston Villa head to the Britannia Stadium looking for some much needed points before Christmas. The midlands club have struggled in recent weeks partly due to the poor form of Belgian striker, Christian Benteke. The highly-rated forward has disappointed this season after scoring only four goals this season.

Aston Villa manager, Paul Lambert is believes confidence may be a factor in the recent poor form for Benteke.

"He just needs one to go in. He's definitely not shrunk, but the confidence thing is major. If you're confident, you'll do things off the cuff without thinking about it. Maybe he's thinking too much," Lambert said. 

Recent weeks has seen Aston Villa outclassed by Fulham and Manchester United by an aggregate score of 5-0. Lambert is keen for his Villa side to get back on track with the bottom clubs closing in.

"The start we have made to the season has been pretty okay. You can't let two games be a real bugbear. You have to let them go, and we'll go up to Stoke and try to win."

Stoke City like Aston Villa, lost to Manchester United at home in their last game. The Potters went down 2-0 in the Capital One Cup quarter final as Ashley Young and Patrice Evra dumped them out of the competition. 

Stoke were unlucky in their outing with Manchester United, after dominating much of the game. Ashley Young's wonderstrike was a real suckerpunch to Stoke's hard work on the night. 

Team News 

Stoke City- Captain Ryan Shawcross is doubt after being substituted in the defeat to Manchester United. While Stephen Ireland is ineligible to face his parent club. 

Aston Villa- Fabian Delph returns to the side after serving his suspension. However, Gabriel Agbonhlahor will miss the game through suspension after accumulating five yellow-card. 

Last time out- Stoke City 1-3 Aston Villa 

Matt Lowton's screaming volley was the highlight of the game as Aston Villa won a vital three points to move further away from the relegation zone. 

Stats

Six of the last nine meeting between the clubs have been draws

Stoke's tally of 18 points after 16 games is their lowest since promotion in 2008.

Aston Villa have failed to score in 7 of their last 10 league matches. 

 

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