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Paul Lambert will complete his 100th game in charge at Aston Villa when Southampton visit Villa Park tonight.

Gregg Evans looks at the starting eleven in Lambert's first game and the one he is likely to field tonight and finds there's a big difference in the cost of the side, even without the injured Christian Benteke.



Villa v West Ham, August 2012

Shay Given - Became Alex McLeish’s first signing in July 2011 when he joined for £3.5m. He quickly lost his spot as No.1 to Brad Guzan when Lambert took over.

Ron Vlaar - The club captain has proved to be a fine capture and a bargain at just £3m. Despite his niggling injuries, Vlaar is an essential part of the Villa team.

Ciaran Clark - Lambert put his trust in the Academy graduate during his first season in charge but Clark has slipped down the pecking order in recent times.

(Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Nathan Baker - Another centre half to rise through the ranks, Baker was raw and inexperienced when Lambert took over. Now he is tough and resilient and is slowly improving.

Matt Lowton - An almost ever-present in his first season following a £3million move from Sheffield United. He is now the back-up right-back behind Alan Hutton.

Stephen Ireland - Signed as part of a makeweight in the deal which saw James Milner move to Manchester City back in August 2010. Lambert used him sparingly and grew frustrated with his performances. Now at Stoke City.

(Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Karim El Ahmadi - The Moroccan midfielder was the Scot’s first signing. While the manager was reasonably satisfied with his efforts following his £2miliion arrival, his performances often frustrated Villa fans. Left Villa to re-join Feyenoord, the club he signed from, in the summer.

Charles N’Zogbia - One of Villa’s longest-serving players, N’Zogbia was a £9million signing by Alex McLeish who had gone back in for the winger after he failed to land him at former club Blues. The Frenchman still struggles to show what he’s really made of on matchdays.

(Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Brett Holman - Didn’t last long under Lambert as the boss allowed him to leave after his first season. The Australian, another McLeish signing, is now in Dubai playing for Al Nasr.

Fabian Delph - The England ace has excelled under Lambert’s leadership and has developed into a real talent. He was signed by Martin O’Neill in an £8m deal. Currently out injured with a dislocated shoulder.

Darren Bent - The £18million club record signing started off positively but has since fell out of favour. Bent has been cast aside and loaned out in the past. This season he’s hardly had a look in.

Subs: Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj, Barry Bannan , Chris Herd, Gary Gardner, Andreas Weimann, Graham Burke

TOTAL COST: £53MILLION

BradGuzan - One of the stand-out performers during Lambert’s reign. The Scot managed to convince him to re-sign for Villa after his contract expired shortly before his arrival.

Matt Lowton - Back in the team due to the absence of Alan Hutton. Has performed reasonably well since coming back in.

JoresOkore - Has yet to play a single minute this season but may be called upon as Villa deal with a defensive crisis. Signed from Nordsjælland for £3million in June 2013 but suffered a cruciate knee injury last term,

Ciaran Clark - The Republic of Ireland international may make his third start of the season in the likely absence of Vlaar, Senderos and Baker.

Aly Cissokho - Signed from Valencia for £3.5million in the summer, the Frenchman has been a solid performer at left-back.

CarlosSanchez - Yet to see the best out of the Colombian who arrived in a £4.7million deal from Elche in August on the back of a fine World Cup.

Ashley Westwood - Now a seasoned Premier League performer, the deep-lying midfielder who was signed for £1million from Crewe, has been a regular for the past three seasons.

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TomCleverley - The Manchester United loanee is sure to start but needs to add goals and assists to his game.

CharlesN’Zogbia - The wideman continues to frustrate as we all know what he’s capable of producing. Showed glimpses of his old self in the last home game against Tottenham.

Weimann - Back in the Austria team after scoring three goals this term. The Academy graduate always gives 100 per-cent and is one of Lambert’s trusted first-team members.

Agbonlahor - The long-serving forward is likely to lead the line and will try to add to his two goals already scored this season.

TOTAL COST: £25MILLION