The native Wearsider has come in for criticism in some quarters in recent weeks, having so far failed to show the sort of form that convinced Martin O'Neill to splash out £10 million to prise the winger from Manchester City in the summer. In short, Johnson needs to start putting some more assertive performances together, and soon, if he is to keep his reputation as one of England's most exciting attackers and indeed to stay in Roy Hodgson's plans. The player himself will be aware of this, and up against young full-back Joe Bennett - who was sent off following some naive defending in his last outing against Norwich - Johnson may find himself with the perfect chance to impress.

The 21-year-old is likely to keep his place up front at the Stadium of Light, having found the net with a neat headed finish against Swindon on Tuesday. Benteke boasts an impressive pedigree at international level, regularly lining up alongside the likes of Eden Hazard, Mousa Dembele and Marouane Fellaini for Belgium in recent months, and with fellow forward Darren Bent finding himself out of favour under Paul Lambert, the powerful striker is likely to be given the breathing space to establish himself as the talismanic goalscorer that the Villa Park faithful desperately lack.