Injury update for Aston Villa v Bradford

With the 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion still fresh in our minds, it's time to turn to Tuesday's match: the League Cup semi-final against Bradford City. Aston Villa lost 3-1 in their trip to Bradford, so it's absolutely essential that a strong, healthy squad is available midweek.

Unsurprisingly, the Villa still have some injury woes to deal with. It's almost certain Nathan Baker, who came off with a hamstring injury early in the West Brom match, won't be available. Fabian Delph, also forced off with a knock to his ankle, is still a question mark. So is Shay Given, Villa's cup keeper, who also has a hamstring injury.

It's strange to think that, after being so frustrated with Delph for so long, Villa supporters desperately want him back for this match. He was excellent against the Baggies in midfield and his presence was sorely missed after his departure, even by the staunchest Barry Bannan fans among us.

As for Given, well, we all know Brad Guzan can handle goal. It's a tossup, really, who would be preferred. The Villa have a packed schedule over the next ten days, but maybe it's best to let Guzan take Tuesday's match, and rest Given until Friday's match against Millwall. Thoughts?

Paul Lambert said that Richard Dunne is back in training and it might be necessary to "throw him in without any match fitness." Such an idea would typically terrify me, but the current state of the Villa defense terrifies me even more.

Finally, Andreas Weimann has shaken off the illness that kept him out of Saturday's match, and he'll be set to be the hero on Tuesday. Dance Andi dance!