Aston Villa needed a win against Leeds United in the midweek to get closer to a playoff place but could only manage a 1-1 draw. Jonathan Kodija’s late strike from the spot helped the Villans get one vital point against the Whites but the fans will be gutted with the fact that despite their amazing resurrection in form, they are not managing to get into top six.
The Midlands side will be up against Cardiff City on the second day of the New Year 2017 at Cardiff City Stadium. The Welsh side started their season on quite a good note but their recent run of form has been dismal. Neil Warnock’s side have won just one of their last six games and are now placed 20th on the table. Everybody expected a bid for a playoff spot from Cardiff this campaign but they are much closer to relegation than promotion.
Villa will have the clear upper hand in this game but Steve Bruce has to shuffle his squad carefully in order to deal with the busy fixture list in January.
Predicted 4-4-2 Aston Villa Lineup Vs Cardiff City
Defence
Promising young keeper Pierluigi Gollini is likely to start under the bar.
Skipper James Chester will pair up with Nathan Baker at the heart of the defence. The duo has done really well at the heart of Villa defence this season which means that Tommy Elphick will sit out once again.
Alan Hutton will keep his place at right-back and will be looking to create openings on his forward surges. Jordan Amavi will keep his place at left-back.
