Villa Park will play host to a huge game at the bottom of the Championship tomorrow night as Bristol City take on Steve Bruce’s struggling team. Villa are currently 17th in the league table, whilst the Robins lie 21st.
Aston Villa, the one-time champions of Europe, have become embroiled in a relegation battle which could see them suffer a double relegation. Sitting just 8 points off the bottom three, they are in danger of repeating the feat of their Midlands rivals Wolves in 2013. Both the teams have managed just one win in their last six fixtures and it could be a close game.
Team News
Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Derby County, however, will have eased relegation fears a little. Bruce’s side will be without midfielder Leandro Bacuna for the game.
The FA has confirmed his 3-match suspension after he came into contact with linesman Mark Russell during the weekend’s game.
Bristol City meanwhile, will be without top scorer Tammy Abraham, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Head-to-head
- The two teams last met in August, when Bristol City secured a moral boosting 3-1 victory against Villa at Ashton Gate.
- Villa currently sit 6 points ahead of the visiting side.
- Since October, City have earned just 13 out of a possible 66 points. However, they did gain a valuable point at Newcastle United on Saturday, in an entertaining 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.
Players to watch
Aaron Wilbraham – Bristol City
The 37-year old, who scored at Newcastle on Saturday, is the man tasked with filling the void left by the absence of Abraham.
Wilbraham is probably best remembered for a short spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. The veteran has scored 29 goals in 98 appearances for Bristol City.
Jonathan Kodija – Aston Villa
Down the other end of the pitch, the Ivorian international and former Bristol City target man will be leading the line for Aston Villa.
Kodija impressed at Ashton Gate, before earning a £11m move to Villa in the summer. Until now he has far from repaid that investment, although his tally of 9 goals in 23 Championship fixtures is far from horrific in what has been a struggling team.
