TEAMS: Benteke and Agbonlahor start for Aston Villa in relegation six pointer with QPR

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE starts for Aston Villa against QPR in a relegation six pointer at Villa Park tonight.

Christian Benteke playing for Aston VillaGETTY

Christian Benteke starts for Aston Villa tonight

Benteke has netted just seven goals for the club all season but manager Tim Sherwood keeps faith with the Belgian alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Manager Sherwood makes five changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Manchester United at the weekend, including three swaps to the defence.

QPR boss Chris Ramsey, meanwhile, names names changed from the side that beat West Brom 4-1 on Saturday.

Nico Kranjcar returns to midfield while Clint Hill is back in defence.

QPR sit 19th in the Premier League table, three points behind Villa in 17th.

Aston Villa: Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Richardson, Cleverley, Delph, Sanchez, Grealish, Agbonlahor, Benteke.

Subs: Given, Baker, Okore, Weimann, Cole, N’Zogbia, Lowton.

QPR: Green, Isla, Onuoha, Caulker, Hill, Phillips, Sandro, Barton, Kranjcar, Austin, Zamora.

Subs: McCarthy, Traore, Henry, Hoilett, Mitchell, Doughty, Grego-Cox.

Injuries crippling Villa - Sherwood [AMBIENT]

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?