Predicted Aston Villa line-up to face Derby County in the Championship
Aston Villa face a stiff task away from home at Pride Park when they face an in-form Derby County this Saturday in the Championship. Dean Smith’s men claimed an important 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers last week to lift themselves up to 14th in the table, five points adrift of the playoff spots.
The Birmingham-based club will now go up against the Rams, who are in a great run of form and find themselves fifth in the table. Hence, it will be tough for the away team to get three points and climb further in the table.
Team News
Birkir Bjarnason will be touch and go for this game. Smith and his men will make their decision a few hours before the game. Keinan Davis is back in training while Harry McKirdy is out for a few weeks.
Predicted Aston Villa XI
Formation – 4-4-1-1
Manager – Dean Smith
Orjan Nyland (GK)
The Norwegian has been in and out of form this season. He should continue to keep his place in goal though.
Alan Hutton (RB)
The veteran continues to get stronger with every passing week and puts in some commanding performances to help the team.
Axel Tuanzebe (CB)
The loanee from Manchester United has been in great form when switched to central defence.
James Chester (CB)
Chester has led the back line with command and authority. His performance level is right up there with the best at the moment.
Neil Taylor (LB)
The Welshman is expected to take his place at left-back for this weekend’s game.
John McGinn (CM)
The youngster has been Villa’s best player so far this season. He covers the ground well and gives his 100% on the pitch.
Glenn Whelan (CM)
Given the fact that Bjarnason is doubtful and this game is a tough away fixture, we may see Whelan in action alongside McGinn in the midfield.
Albert Adomah (RW)
Yannick Bolasie is still doing his extra physical work to make himself fit. Hence, we could see Adomah at right-wing this weekend.
Jack Grealish (CAM)
He was good last week in a pressure-relieving win. The youngster is the talisman of the team and can be a threat while in possession every time.
Jonathan Kodjia (LW)
Kodjia has troubled the defenders in the past but it hasn’t been on a regular basis. Yet, the manager could persist with him on Saturday.
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Tammy Abraham (ST)
The loanee from Chelsea has added greater threat to their attack by leading the line well. He would be hoping for the goals to flow now.