Aston Villa are due to host runaway Championship leaders, Wolverhampton Wanderers, at the Villa Park on Saturday in what promises to be an intriguing Championship fixture. The Villans, who are placed third with 66 points from 35 outings, will be aiming to close the gap on 2nd placed Cardiff City.
Aston Villa – Team News
Alan Hutton’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him out once again, whereas Glenn Whelan is slightly doubtful after limping off in the second half against Sunderland. However, Jack Grealish is fit and could make the bench.
Steve Bruce’s men managed a convincing 0-3 away win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light during midweek and based on latest team news, here is how we expect Bruce to put out his starting XI against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Goalkeeper
Sam Johnstone has notched up 15 clean sheets from 35 league appearances this season, making 2.60 saves per game on an average. The 24-year-old shot-stopper has been in an excellent form this season and should keep his place between the sticks once again.
Defence
Ahmed Elmohamady is likely to start from the right-back spot owing to the industry he plays with. Neil Taylor could continue on the other side in Hutton’s absence. John Terry and James Chester have been able to muster a strong partnership together and the two centre-backs are likely to start once again at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
We expect Mile Jedinak to start ahead of Whelan even if the later passes the fitness test. Jedinak has performed his duties meticulously whenever he is called upon to act and deserves to start in the middle of the park. Jedinak could be partnered by Conor Hourihane in the midfield.
Robert Snodgrass has been in top form this season for the Lions and will be one of the first names in Bruce’s starting line-up against Wolves. The 30-year-old has plundered 7 goals and 11 assists in 30 outings in the Championship and will be a threat from the right wing. We expect Albert Adomah to start on the left side of the midfield.
Attack
Lewis Grabban should operate as the second striker in the massive game coming up and he must ensure that he keeps things ticking in the final third for Aston Villa. Scott Hogan is expected to spearhead Bruce’s side this weekend. Hogan hasn’t scored in any of his last five games and needs to step up in what is a crucial time in the season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka
