Steve Bruce ready to ring Aston Villa changes for Carabao Cup tie

Villa head to Huish Park for a Carabao Cup first round tie and their first-ever competitive meeting with the League Two Glovers.

Boss Bruce is expected to rest the majority of the XI which started Saturday’s 3-2 win over Wigan, as he seeks to give fringe players and young stars the opportunity to impress.

Jonathan Kodjia could, however, continue up front due to the manager’s current lack of striking options.

Both Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan remain sidelined with injury, while Bruce is reluctant to put too much strain on Rushian Hepburn-Murphy at this point.

The 19-year-old has impressed while featuring as a substitute in both of Villa’s Championship matches so far, despite participating in only a handful of training sessions after recovering from injury and the manager is wary of pushing him too hard, too soon.

Jake Doyle-Hayes, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Harvey Knibbs and Mitch Clark are among the young players in line to feature, though Callum O’Hare is another who will miss out through injury.

Andre Moreira could make his debut for the club in goal.

Villa will wear their new third kit, which will be unveiled before the game.