Villa's players went through their final preparations ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland with a training session at Bodymoor Heath.

Club photographer Neville Williams was on hand to capture the squad in training ahead of the clash at the Stadium of Light.

Check out the image gallery of the session now.

The claret and blues go into the encounter in positive mood after Tuesday night's last-gasp Capital One Cup victory over Swindon Town.

Striker Christian Benteke will be looking to continue his good form against the Black Cats after scoring three goals in his last two games.

Darren Bent will be determined to play apart too against his former club.

With Karim El Ahmadi suspended after picking up a fifth booking, the other midfielders in the squad have been looking to catch Paul Lambert's eye.

The likes of Fabian Delph, Ashley Westwood, Barry Bannan and Stephen Ireland are all hoping to earn a starting role.

Check out the image gallery of Villa gearing up for the Sunderland clash.