Burton Albion FC vs Aston Villa - John Brayford doubtful for Burton before Villa test

Burton manager Nigel Clough will assess defender John Brayford ahead of Aston Villa's visit to the Pirelli Stadium.

The full-back suffered a head injury after colliding with team-mate Ben Turner during Wednesday's narrow defeat at Newcastle.

Apart from the doubts over Brayford, the Brewers appear to have returned from the trip to St James' Park unscathed.

Wingers Lloyd Dyer and Michael Kightly and forward Cauley Woodrow could come back into the starting line-up, should Clough opt to freshen up his team.

In-form Villa could hand a recall to January signing Scott Hogan as they look for a fifth win on the bounce.

Steve Bruce's side have shot into the top half of the table after going on a run of seven wins in eight, the latest seeing them beat QPR 1-0 on Tuesday.

Hogan made a fleeting appearance off the bench, but has been struggling with a long-term ankle injury. Bruce revealed they had been cautious with the striker, but he appears to have overcome the problem for now.

Gabby Agbonlahor is still a week away from a return to first-team action following a hamstring injury, while Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (ankle) is due to play for the Under-23 side on Monday as he continues his rehabilitation.