Birmingham Mail: Ron Vlaar could make his first appearance for two months this weekend - and how struggling Villa could do with him hitting top form.

Daily Mirror: Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert may hijack Fulham's bid for Ghana defensive midfielder Derek Boateng. Boateng is available to leave FC Dnipro in Ukraine.

WBA.co.uk: Steve Clarke insists Saturday's derby clash with Villa was always going to be a 'massive' game regardless of what goes before it. Clarke says local pride alone is what makes The Hawthorns encounter so important after it finished honours even at Villa Park in September.

ESPN: Steve Clarke has identified Saturday's Hawthorns derby against Aston Villa as the perfect opportunity for West Bromwich Albion to start ensuring that their promising season doesn't fall away into anonymity.

Birmingham Mail: Gareth McAuley has challenged West Bromwich Albion to kick-start their flagging campaign in Saturday's game against Aston Villa.

Daily Star: Gareth McAuley has called on West Brom to bounce back from their FA Cup exit when they take on neighbours Aston Villa on Saturday.

Daily Star: Charles N'Zogbia believes his Aston Villa side will attack their way out of their present crisis.

Clubcall: Charles N'Zogbia is convinced Aston Villa can attack their way out of the relegation zone despite their obvious problems at the back.

Birmingham Mail: Bradford City are gunning for Villa more than ever after their Johnstone's Paint Trophy campaign ended this week.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.