Houllier gives Herd Villa debut
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has handed a first Premier League start to defender Chris Herd for the home derby encounter with Wolves.
Australian Herd, a product of Villa’s academy, and the fit again Carlos Cuellar replace the injured Luke Young and suspended Ciaran Clark.
Midfielder Jean Makoun returned after a three-game ban in place of Fabian Delph.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy made one change from the side which drew 3-3 at home to Tottenham.
On-loan Jamie O’Hara, who had been ineligible to face his parent club Spurs, came in for Stephen Ward in the second striker role behind Kevin Doyle.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Cuellar, Baker, Herd, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Makoun, Downing, Ashley Young, Bent.
Subs: Marshall, Pires, Agbonlahor, Bradley, Delph, Heskey, Petrov.
Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi, Hammill, Henry, Milijas, O’Hara, Jarvis, Doyle.
Subs: Hahnemann, Craddock, Kightly, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Ward, David Jones.
Referee: Phil Dowd.
