Roberto Di Matteo could recall Aston Villa strike duo Ross McCormack and Rudy Gestede

The pair were on the bench for Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Barnsley as they continue their recovery from injury.

But with Di Matteo looking to improve a frontline which has so far failed to fire, the Italian will consider bringing one or both into the starting XI for the trip to Deepdale.

"Rudy has been in and out and has had some injuries so we have to bring him back slowly and look after him," he said.

"Ross picked up an injury so that's the same story but we have options."

Despite spending big money on McCormack and Jonathan Kodjia, Villa are among the lowest scorers in the Championship having netted just ten goals in as many games.

And Di Matteo believes their inability to kill teams off has contributed to the glut of points lost through late goals, with his team constantly being asked to defend a one-goal lead late in the game.

Villa have so far lost ten points from winning positions due to goals conceded in the final five minutes.