Despite having not played a League match for more than five weeks Villa are still plagued by injuries. Kenny Swain, travels as their only recognised striker with Andy Gray and Brian Little ruled out through injury and John Deehan under suspension. Villa's spell of inactivity - they have played only one game since Boxing Day was described by manager Ron Saunders yesterday as "nail-biting" and has done nothing to clear up the niggling stomach muscle strain suffered by Little.

After a period of complete rest, Little returned to action in a practice match against Sheffield United last week but was able to play for just 45 minutes before the pain returned.

Gray had a cartilage operation three weeks ago and is unlikely to be fit enough to make his comeback for at least another month so Saunders will almost certainly be forced to select an untried combination of front runners at Goodison Park.

Saunders has named a 13-strong squad for the game and included Alex Cropley, who has not played a full first team match since breaking a leg in the First Division derby against Albion on December 10, 1977, his only League action since the injury was a seven minute appearance. also as a substitute. against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in December.

Teenagers Gary Shaw and Gary Shelton are also included in the party but Joe Ward is not thought to have attained First Division fitness yet and was nut considered.