Bent, who along with Liverpool hit man Fernando Torres has netted eight times in the league this season, suffered a knee injury against Birmingham on Saturday and is unlikely to be risked.
That could mean an appearance for former Manchester United striker Frazier Campbell as Steve Bruce's men look to see off the Claret and Blue.
For Villa, Emile Heskey could replace John Carew up front, while Nigel Reo-Coker is also pushing for a recall.
Martin O'Neill could hand Luke Young his first start of the campaign at the expense of Carlos Cuellar.