Having survived a financial breakdown in the aftermath of a disappointing defeat to Fulham in last season’s playoff final, Aston Villa are once again a rejuvenated side under Steve Bruce.
The Villans have enjoyed a flying start to the new Championship campaign with back to back wins against Hull City and Wigan Athletic. They next travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.
Bruce’s side also clinched a narrow 1-0 victory in round one of the EFL Cup over League Two outfit Yeovil Town this midweek and will be determined on continuing the winning streak.
Aston Villa – Team News
Villa will miss Scott Hogan due to a groin strain. Academy duo Keinan Davis and Callum O’Hare have also been ruled out due to their respective groin and knee strains.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup (4-4-1-1)
Defence
Norwegian custodian Ørjan Nyland, the summer signing from FC Ingolstadt 04, has made consecutive league starts and could once again stand in goal.
Steve Bruce has made several alterations so far this season as he is still working on figuring out the best combinations at the back. He is likely to field James Chester in central defence alongside veteran Mile Jedinak. The latter was not all that convincing against the Latics but is capable of making a strong comeback because of his experience.
Axel Tuanzebe, the promising Manchester United loanee, was deployed in a right-back role shifting Alan Hutton to the opposite flank last weekend. Hutton should be back in his usual role as Neil Taylor will be a better fit in the left-back role. The former Swansea fullback impressed this past midweek and should get the nod.
Midfield
John McGinn made an immediate impact with an assist, following his summer switch from Scottish outfit Hibernian, and has ensured a starting role in the middle of the park.
Birkir Bjarnason, the Icelandic international, starred in the 3-2 victory against Wigan with his 90th-minute winner and should start against Ipswich alongside the Scotsman.
Conor Hourihane, who assisted Bjarnason to grab a late winner and also scored late against Yeovil to progress through to the next round of League Cup, could have a better impact coming off the bench. Egyptian Ahmed Elmohamady is being used on the right and should continue there. Albert Adomah could get a start over academy starlet Andre Green.
Attack
Highly-rated attacking midfielder Jack Grealish has done well in the number 10 role behind Jonathan Kodjia. The two will provide the combination of creativity and pace up front.
