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Three matches and three points. If we're honest, that type of pace would likely be enough to keep Aston Villa away from relegation this year. But so long as we're all being honest, let's admit that simply avoiding relegation is not good enough this season. We want more. Losing to Manchester United is understandable, and a one-goal loss at Selhurst Park (no matter how sloppy it was) was something we can live with.
But this is Sunderland. Aston Villa haven't lost against Sunderland in more than four-and-a-half years. Since then Villa have only allowed Sunderland to score three goals. Villa have won 6-1 at Villa Park and 0-4 at the Stadium of Light. And this is an Aston Villa team who, while there is potential downside, are absolutely bursting with potential. They will be playing in front of a packed and roaring Villa Park.
A loss here, unlike in the last two weeks, is simply unacceptable. And if we're frank about it, a draw isn't much better. It's time for another win.
We've got everything you need to watch the match right here. Be sure to check out our coverage from throughout the week, and join us in the comments! Up the Villa!
Location: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
Kick-off time: 3 PM GMT, 10 AM Eastern, 7 AM Pacific
Available TV: None (UK), Premier League Extra Time (US)
Available streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra
Available radio: AVTV (subscription required), Westwood One Sports (US)
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
Aston Villa squad
TEAM NEWS: #AVFC side to face #SAFC this afternoon. Kick-off is 3pm. #AVLSUN #BPL pic.twitter.com/RZB5eqcpcI
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) August 29, 2015
Sunderland starting XI
#SAFC: Pantilimon, Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea (c), Kaboul, Cattermole, M'Vila, Rodwell, Lens, Defoe, Graham. #AVLSUN
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 29, 2015
Sunderland subs
#SAFC subs: Larsson, Toivonen, Coates, Fletcher, Watmore, Gooch, Mannone. #AVLSUN
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 29, 2015