Premier League - Matchpack: Aston Villa v Reading - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is an injury doubt for the bottom-three clash with Reading at Villa Park. The central defender suffered a calf injury during Saturday's home goalless draw against Arsenal and was substituted early in the second half. If he is ruled out, then Matt Lowton is likely to partner Ciaran Clark at the heart of the defence with Eric Lichaj being recalled at right-back.

Reading midfielder Jimmy Kebe will miss the Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Kebe had returned to training after being sidelined with a groin problem, but will miss out once more. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and midfielders Danny Guthrie and Jem Karacan remain in the treatment room.

MANAGER QUOTES

Paul Lambert: "(Leaving out Darren Bent is) my decision. I'm the man that picks the team. Listen, it's my choice and I've 26, 27 lads that I have to look after. Everybody's in it together and I need everybody in it together. I know the disappointment when you don't play. I was dropped about five million times as a player, but that's the nature of the game. If you could pick everybody you would. Darren's still part of it but I've got 25, 26 guys to take care of and think of."

Brian McDermott: "In the dressing room we had a conversation and I said to the players the same thing, we have to be ruthless. Over the years we've scored many late goals but it's tough to stomach when it goes against you."

MATCH FACTS

Aston Villa have won 13 and lost just one of the last 15 matches in all competitions against Reading.

There has been a 90th minute goal in the last four games between Villa and Reading in all competitions.

Reading have averaged only 40% possession this season, less than any other Premier League team.

Only once have Villa won fewer of their opening 13 top-flight games than they have this season (one in 1955-56).

Reading have scored first in five PL games this season and won none of them (D4 L1).

Reading are the least accurate passing side in the Premier League this season (68%).

Only Sunderland (who have played a game fewer) have had fewer shots at goal than Aston Villa this season (98).

Villa have lost three of their last four league games played on a Tuesday.

Nicky Shorey has created as many goalscoring chances as Chelsea's Juan Mata this season (28).

Only four players have assisted more Premier League goals than Jobi McAnuff this season (4). He also has twice as many as any other Reading player.

MATCH ODDS

Aston Villa EVS, Reading 3/1, Draw 11/5