Everton are beset by injury problems.
Manager David Moyes has confirmed striker Louis Saha is likely to miss the rest of the season after an operation on the ankle injured against Fulham a fortnight ago.
Jack Rodwell, Seamus Coleman (both ankle) and Tim Cahill (foot) are also doubtful after withdrawing from recent international duty with injuries.
Playmaker Mikel Arteta (hamstring) and key midfielder Marouane Fellaini (ankle) remain on the sidelines.
Aston Villa's defensive duo of Richard Dunne and James Collins are in contention for a recall.
Dunne and Collins proved their fitness after shoulder and calf problems by playing for the Republic of Ireland and Wales respectively during the international break.
The duo had previously been fined by Villa because of their behaviour during a team bonding session at a health spa.
Right-back Kyle Walker is Villa's only injury concern with the slight hip problem which forced his withdrawal from the England squad.
Midfielder Ciaran Clark will complete a two-game ban for incurring 10 bookings this season.
Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Neville, Osman, Rodwell, Cahill, Heitinga, Bilyaletdinov, Beckford, Anichebe, Gueye, Mustafi, Baxter, Duffy, Mucha.
Villa (from): Friedel, Marshall, Walker, Luke Young, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Herd, Baker, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Makoun, Downing, Delph, Pires, Bradley, Petrov, Ashley Young, Bent, Agbonlahor, Heskey.
