Premier League preview: Stoke City v Aston Villa

Two clubs yearning to rise above mid-table obscurity clash when Aston Villa visit Stoke City on Monday in the English Premier League.

The hosts know what a win could do to their ambitions of European qualification once more, with Tony Pulis’ men just three points from Newcastle United in seventh.

But if there was one protagonist within the Stoke ranks who would love to send Villa away with their tails between their legs, it is surely veteran goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

The Denmark international spent five seasons at Villa Park before slipping out of favour under then-manager Martin O’Neill, joining Stoke in time for the 2008/09 season.

He was Pulis’ undisputed number one until losing his place to Asmir Begovic last campaign, but has re-claimed his starting role and signed a new two-year deal on Tuesday.

Whether Sorensen maintains some of the acrimony that led to his exit at Villa remains to be seen, though he would no doubt love to held condemn Villa their third-consecutive league loss on Monday.

McLeish will be keen on returning to winning ways after losses to Liverpool and Arsenal, though he was content with his players’ fight in the 2-1 defeat to the latter on Wednesday.

He will be without right-back Alan Hutton after his late dismissal against the Gunners, but the return of leading man Darren Bent will come as a welcome Christmas present for McLeish.

Villa – who lie in 12th with 19 points – are also a chance of regaining Emile Heskey and James Collins, but may still be without goalkeeper Shay Given and newly re-signed midfield prospect Chris Herd.

Stoke were outclassed in their 3-0 defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday, bringing to an end four-straight league wins.

Pulis should regain Peter Crouch from illness after he missed the loss to City, and Ryan Shawcross will make a welcome return to defence after suspension.