Holman fitness boosts Villa

Other newcomers, central defender Ron Vlaar, right-back Matthew Lowton and midfielder Karim El Ahmadi, are also in contention to play.

However, striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, defender Richard Dunne and winger Marc Albrighton are still sidelined for manager Paul Lambert's first competitive match in charge.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill could hand a start to new striker Louis Saha in his side's season opener against Arsenal.

Saha joined on a one-year deal this week after he was released by Tottenham Hotspur and is likely to feature with striker Stephane Sessegnon an injury doubt.

Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley and David Vaughan are all set to miss out.

Stoke City could be boosted by the presence of Robert Huth in its opening Premier League match at Reading, despite the central defender spending most of last week in hospital with viral meningitis.

Huth is keen to be involved, but the Potters will assess him and winger Jermaine Pennant, who is struggling with a thigh strain, ahead of the clash at the Madejski Stadium.

New signings Michael Kightly and Jamie Ness could make their debuts but defender Geoff Cameron will not rejoin the squad until next week, after having to stay in the United States to sort out his visa.