Aston Villa are just 4 points off the second spot in the Championship table and having won all 3 points against Leeds United, Steve Bruce’s troops are due to face Ipswich Town at the Portman Road on Saturday. To steer their way to the Premier League through the only remaining automatic promotion spot, the Villans need to bag as many points as possible in the remaining fixtures.
Aston Villa Team News
John Terry is back in training but he might not be thrust into action this weekend. While Jed Steer is out for the rest of the season owing to his dislocated shoulder, Axel Tuanzebe might also not feature anymore this season due to his ankle injury.
Alan Hutton is a few days away from making his return from hamstring injury whereas Gabriel Agbonlahor is still out of contention due to his ankle injury. Besides, Birkir Bjarnason is also nursing his back injury and is unlikely to ply his trade against Klug’s men.
Here is how we expect Aston Villa to start against Bryan Klug’s men.
Goalkeeper
Sam Johnstone is set to start in goal once again. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has been an instrumental figure for Aston Villa this season, having made 2.47 saves per game on an average and has garnered 19 clean sheets to his name thus far.
Defence
Mile Jedinak has been used in the central defence by Bruce of late and Jedinak has lived up to the responsibilities in a commendable fashion. He is likely to be partnered alongside James Chester at the heart of the backline.
Neil Taylor has showcased immense grit and perseverance down the left and he deserves to keep his place in the left-back slot. Meanwhile, Ahmed Elmohamady’s consistency should see him bagging the right-back position once again.
Midfield
Glenn Whelan is anticipated to keep his place in the central defensive midfield. He has been astute in shielding the defensive line in a meticulous fashion and has been rock solid in the middle of the park. Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane are likely to placed in the central midfield.
Robert Snodgrass is expected to operate from the right side of the midfield while Albert Adomah should find himself starting on the other flank. While the Scottish international has been sensational down the right, Adomah needs to step it up in the remaining matches.
Attack
Lewis Grabban is likely to be selected in the lone striker’s role as Bruce has shuffled his pack in an intelligent fashion and will continue to do so.
Statistics Credits: Squawka