Collins has been sidelined with a calf injury but Villa need him to be available as Richard Dunne (shoulder) and Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) are both ruled out.
Left-back Nathan Baker should be in contention after missing Wednesday's FA Cup defeat at Manchester City through a bout of concussion.
Record signing Darren Bent will be available after being cup-tied for the Eastlands match.
Source: PA
Source: PA