Gibson The Only Change

Darron Gibson returns to the starting line-up for the first time since Boxing Day as the Blues take on Aston Villa at Goodison.

The midfielder came back from a troubling thigh problem on Wednesday, making a 25-minute cameo appearance in the 2-1 win over West Brom - and David Moyes has subsequently handed the Republic of Ireland international a start following his return to fitness.

That news, along with the second successive inclusion of Belgian Kevin Mirallas from the first whistle, means no place in the XI for skipper Phil Neville in midfield. Phil Jagielka, likely to again be deployed at right-back, is set to sport the armband in his absence.

Neville is joined on the bench by Nikica Jelavic, with Moyes again opting for Victor Anichebe as the lone frontman after the Nigerian's impressive performance against the Baggies.

With Gibson's start being the only change from Wednesday's win, goalkeeper Tim Howard's back-four consists of Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, John Heitinga and Jagielka.

Gibson is accompanied in midfield by Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Mirallas, with all likely to offer support to Anichebe in attack.