Aston Villa host Middlesbrough for the second time in just seven days on Tuesday night, and Steve Bruce is expected to ring the changes in the EFL Cup.
The Claret and Blues last meeting with Garry Monk’s side ended in a goalless draw, with both teams losing a player to a red card.
In their upcoming Carabao Cup clash, the Villa boss is expected to name a completely different squad from his team which faced Barnsley in the Championship on Saturday.
Sam Johnstone will be rested and should be replaced by cup stopper Jed Steer, as he has performed in the previous two competition clashes.
Fringe player Tommy Elphick is expected to return to the squad and Chris Samba should also line up in front of the keeper.
Also on the backline, Alan Hutton is expected to take his place at right-back after falling out of favour over recent weeks, while fellow full-back Ritchie De Laet should appear on the left.
Henri Lansbury and exciting 20-year-old Josh Onomah should make up the midfield, while Callum O’Hare and Birkir Bjarnason are expected to support the attack from out wide.
Scott Hogan should continue in attack and could be joined up front by Gabby Agbonlahor, after he was left out of the previous two squads.
The game against Middlesbrough will provide the perfect chance for Villa’s regular first-team players to have a well-earned rest before their Championship clash against Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday.