Predicted Aston Villa line-up to face Reading in the Championship
Aston Villa had to come from behind in dying moments against Brentford to keep their unbeaten run alive in the Championship. Jonathan Kodjia scored with seconds remaining on the clock to give Steve Bruce’s men a point after a mixed-bag performance at the Villa Park.
They stay at their home ground to play Reading this Saturday, and should look to get three points against a team who haven’t won this season yet. Bruce gave Glenn Whelan a start on Wednesday and the veteran performed exceedingly well. However, there will be minimal chance for the 34-year-old to start again in such a short turnaround of games.
Team News
Keinan Davies and Scott Hogan remain the long-term absentees for Villa. Apart from that, there aren’t any short-term or game-related injury to any squad player.
Probable Aston Villa XI
Manager: Steve Bruce
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Orjan Nyland (GK)
Had a howler last Saturday and didn’t look particularly convincing on Wednesday too. In spite of that, Bruce might give him more opportunities to settle down.
Axel Tuanzebe (RB)
Tuanzebe needs to improve his overall performance if he intends to get his chance at Manchester United. He would get his chances at Villa though.
James Chester (CB)
The ever-reliable Chester has been decent for Bruce’s men thus far. He was a little shaky on Wednesday but expect him to be solid on Saturday.
Mile Jedinak (CB)
The midfielder has done well to adapt to his new role at centre-back and so he deserves more chances to settle in.
Alan Hutton (LB)
The consistent full-back will always provide his best when putting on a Aston Villa shirt. Expect him to be ahead of Neil Taylor at left-back.
Albert Adomah (LW)
The winger should improve his game, especially the delivery of final balls. He should get his chances under Bruce.
Conor Hourihane (CM)
Whelan started in his position on Wednesday, but expect Hourihane to be back in central midfield after a cameo versus Brentford.
John McGinn (CM)
The youngster has been very impressive this season. He is slowly grabbing his midfield spot at Villa.
Ahmed Elmohamady (RW)
The Egyptian has blown hot and cold in his performance levels thus far. Bruce would want more consistency from him in the coming games.
Jack Grealish (CAM)
The playmaker has shown why the club wanted him to stay this season. He is ever-present on the ball to create chances and is a problem for the opposition to deal with.
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Jonathan Kodjia (ST)
Kodjia scored twice, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser against Brentford. His confidence is high now, and Villa would expect more from him in the coming games.