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Stoke striker Peter Crouch is expected to be back in contention for the clash. Crouch missed the defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday through illness and has also had to deal with a burglary at his home. Glenn Whelan (calf) is again doubtful but his fellow midfielder Matthew Etherington could return after a slight strain and defender Ryan Shawcross is back from suspension. | |||||
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Aston Villa are optimistic joint top-scorer Darren Bent will be available for the Boxing Day clash with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. The club's record signing, who has netted five goals this season, has returned to training after being ruled out of the previous two games with a thigh injury. Fellow striker Emile Heskey (achilles) and central defender James Collins (knee) are also expected to be in contention after missing the mid-week home defeat against Arsenal but full-back Alan Hutton will be suspended after his sending-off against the Gunners. | |||||