By Ryan Ghee
January 2 2006

Aston Villa's first game of the new year is against local rivals West Brom at The Hawthornes. Three points is not all that is on the line in this match, local pride will also play a major role. Aston Villa team news: Olof Mellberg is fit again and is expected to be recalled to the starting eleven. Wilfred Bouma will miss out due to a knee injury so Gareth Barry should continue at left-back. O'Leary is expected to stick with Luke Moore and Milan Baros upfront so Juan Pablo Angel will have to make do with a place on the bench once more.

West Brom team news: Bryan Robson is expected to start Kanu and Nathan Ellington in attack, meaning Horsfield and Campbell will have to watch from the dug-out. Fit-again Chris Kirkland will also only make the bench as Thomas Kuszczak is expected to be preferred in goal.