Aston Villa take on Cardiff City tonight in what could prove a pivotal fixture in the race for automatic promotion.

Cardiff remain in second place in the league as things stand but could be overtaken if they lose tonight and Fulham win.

Meanwhile, Villa will also be looking to close the gap on the Bluebirds and keep their top two hopes alive after a damaging loss at Norwich City on Saturday.

Steve Bruce, then, will be aiming to get his player selection right, tonight, ahead of a crucial match but there's a few players who will be missing.

So, whilst we wait to see if the likes of Jonathan Kodjia make their first start in months, let's take a look at the players set to miss out tonight...

Christopher Samba remains out of contention for this fixture. It's unlikely he would have started, of course, but you'd surely like his presence as a back-up off of the bench.

Evidently, it's down to John Terry and James Chester to keep things tight at the back against a Cardiff attack that's more than up for a physical duel.

Alan Hutton has enjoyed a good season this year but looks out of contention for this one.

One way or another Villa have rarely had all their full-back options fit this season and it is Hutton who is currently on the sidelines.

He's certainly someone who would have been in the mix for this game if fully up to speed.

Jed Steer is a long-term absentee.

He underwent surgery earlier this season and that ruled him out of the rest of the campaign.

Sam Johnstone would have started anyway but they'd surely have liked their number 2 on the bench rather than out of action.