Davies broke his nose in training last week and is still recovering but could be fit in time for Villa's next fixture. His return could force the returning Gary Cahill to miss out on a place on the bench. This may seem unfair as Cahill has been in fine form in the Championship this season with Sheffield United. Davies meanwhile has only played one game this season and his performance in the defeat to Leicester led him to describe it as that of a 'pub player'.
Villa have held together a solid back four so far this campaign with the re-emergence of colossus Martin Laursen controlling the defence. This means that even if Davies or Cahill do return for this weekend they will have to again settle for a place on the bench.