New defensive duo Richard Dunne and James Collins could both make their Aston Villa debut in Sunday's derby at Birmingham.

Dunne and Collins were signed for a combined £11 million from Manchester City and West Ham respectively at the end of the summer transfer window.

Curtis Davies is likely to be out until the new year after undergoing surgery on a long-term shoulder problem, while Luke Young is not yet ready to return from a pre-season thigh setback.

Striker Emile Heskey is battling to recover from the tight hamstring suffered in England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia at Wembley.