Gary Christie
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup To Face Barnsley In The EFL Championship
Aston Villa sit 4th in the table, just five points off an automatic playoff spot, going into this weekend’s clash with Barnsley and Steve Bruce should pretty much have a full squad to choose from.
Nothing much is happening in terms of transfers in and around Villa Park just now but this squad is still capable of making it back to the top level if they put their best foot forward. They go into this match full of confidence after a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest last time out.
Bruce is liable to stick with the 4-1-4-1 formation that worked so well at the City Ground, with Glenn Whelan likely to make way for Birkir Bjarnason in the middle of the park:
Probable Aston Villa XI
GK – Sam Johnstone
The on-loan Man United stopper has been in terrific form this season between the sticks and is a crucial part of Villa’s promotion plan.
RB – Ahmed Elmohamady
The attacking full-back has pretty much followed Steve Bruce everywhere he has gone and is likely to again keep Alan Hutton out of his rightful position.
CB – James Chester
Not bad at all at this level and is going nicely at the back for Villa this term.
CB – John Terry
The former Chelsea and England captain is now back fully fit and will be desperately keen to steer Villa to automatic promotion by the end of April.
LB – Neil Taylor
Came off the bench last time and can play in midfield but may well usurp Alan Hutton in this role who frankly belongs at right-back.
DM – Birkir Bjarnason
Replaced Whelan at half-time in Nottingham and Bruce may wish to keep the same shape for this one.
RW – Robert Snodgrass
The Scot belongs either at the top of this league or in the Premier League and so it’s no surprise to see him assisting goals at this level.
CM – Conor Hourihane
Gained so many plaudits when playing for Barnsley before his move here so should enjoy his day against his former side.
CM – Jack Grealish
There’s still time for the once very highly rated Grealish to reach the top, though he’d rather do it with Villa anyway. So he’s another one who’d be desperate for his team to get over the line.
LW – Albert Adomah
Hit and miss perhaps but capable on his day and probably gains another appearance from the start.
ST – Scott Hogan
Got himself on the scoresheet in the win over Forest and seems to love the service provided by Snodgrass.
