Albion hope to have a fully charged Kaoru Mitoma at Villa Park.

The Japan winger went on as substitute and powered his side to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth last Sunday.

He was substituted during the midweek cup tie at Chelsea.

Roberto De Zerbi described Mitoma as the player he could not take off last season.

But he said: “Last season we played one game per week.

“Now we play three games every week and I think it’s also the best solution for Kaoru, and for everyone because we are not used to playing so many games.

“But for Kaoru it’s important too. Because in the second half against Bournemouth he was a different Kaoru than the game before.

“He needs to rest, he needs to recharge his energy.”

De Zerbi added: “We have three players that are different to the others – Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross and Kaoru Mitoma.

“They are different in terms of personality and characteristics.

“For example, Pascal Gross in midfield gives us more personality and courage.

“He can be important in the build-up but he is one of the best to score for goals for us – he has scored many.

“Lewis is difficult to substitute. He is very important.”