Hourihane out, Onomah in – Strongest 4-1-4-1 Aston Villa line-up to face Middlesbrough

Predicted Aston Villa Line-up To Face Middlesbrough In The Championship Playoffs

Aston Villa are coming into these playoffs on the back of a couple of disappointing results, especially the loss against Millwall on the final day of the season. Thankfully, they have been top notch apart from that and they should be able to shake these results off and go forward confidently against Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough, however, come into this game in excellent form and they will push all the way to get to the playoff final. Should be a great game.

Probable Aston Villa XI

Manager: Steve Bruce

Formation: 4–1–4-1

Sam Johnstone (GK)

Mark Bunn started last game against Millwall and actually had an incredible game but surely, Sam Johnstone will be back between the sticks this time out. The young goalkeeper has had a great season on-loan from Man United.

Alan Hutton (LB)

The experienced full-back has had a fractured season for Aston Villa due to some injury problems but is back in contention now and could continue to keep Taylor out of the team.

John Terry (CB)

John Terry is an integral part of this Villa team and his leadership will be key in them getting past these playoffs.

James Chester (CB)

Chester has been solid at the back alongside John Terry this season and they will be hoping for a couple more clean sheets in these playoff games.

Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)

Elmohamady offers something extra down the right-hand side for Villa and brings width and pace to the side. Had a good game last time against Derby and will be hoping for more of the same.

Glenn Whelan (CDM)

Whelan has been excellent in the defensive midfield role for Villa in the second-half of the season and will most likely remain there for the playoffs, breaking up the play and tackling well.

Albert Adomah (LM)

Adomah hasn’t been in the best of forms recently but Bruce has to keep playing him as he is a class above when on song. Will be a threat to the Middlesbrough backline.

Josh Onomah (CM)

The young central midfielder has been pushing Hourihane all season and offers something different in the midfield. He is an excellent passer of the ball.

Jack Grealish (CM)

Has played excellently all season and can change the game for Aston Villa. They need him to be in form and create in the centre of the park.

Robert Snodgrass (RM)

Snodgrass has had a fantastic season and they would not be in the playoffs without him in their squad. He will be hoping to help Villa get back into the Premier League.

Lewis Grabban (ST)

Grabban has had a good run in the side now and has scored some great goals for Villa. Bruce went after him, got his man, and he has been integral in the Villans’ promotion push.