He came in as a big signing for Aston Villa last season but has yet to contribute a goal or assist this campaign.
"He was unbelievable before he signed a deal and now he's completely gone missing," former Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "With that talent, he needs to be performing a lot better.
"He's supposed to be the main man - but has been nowhere near."
Left-back Alex Moreno is on the bench for Aston Villa following his £13m move from Real Betis.
Villa make nine changes from the weakened team that lost to Stevenage in the FA Cup.