Aston Villa host Derby County at the Villa Park on 25th of this month as they are still in the hunt of registering their first win of 2017. Steve Bruce is feeling the heat as the boss of Aston Villa, having lost the last five games on the trot and are hovering just above the relegation zone.
Steve McLaren’s side have fallen ten points behind Sheffield Wednesday in what appeared to be their battle to force into the top six berths. A massive clash waits between these two sides and here are three key battles which could decide the course of the game.
Mile Jedinak vs. Will Hughes
Jedinak will hopefully start against the Rams on Saturday, and a midfield battle between him and Hughes is likely to erupt this weekend. In the former Crystal Palace star, Hughes will have someone to channelise the long balls precisely more often than not, and apart from that, he will have to shut down Hughes from knitting the game at the centre of the park.
The two are opposite in terms of their style as Hughes is more subtle and Jedinak is more of a physical player.
Scott Hogan vs. Richard Keogh
January transfer window signing Hogan is yet to hit the ground up and running, but one can sniff the likelihood of resurgence at the Villa Park this weekend. Nonetheless, Derby County’s central defender in the form of Keogh would stand in his way.
The Republic of Ireland international is a forward thinking player who judges the movements of the opponents’ striker quite early and frankly speaking, Hogan would have to be wary of him. Having the upper hand in the aerial duels would be a necessary factor in dictating the tempo of the game. A clinical striker faces a big centre-back: who do you fancy having the last laugh?
Tommy Elphick vs. Darren Bent
Elphick has been the cornerstone of the Lions’ defence under the tutelage of Roberto Di Matteo as well as Bruce and has looked handsomely solid at the back. The way he understands the game, deals with the crosses and makes crunching tackles have been widely acknowledged.
On the other hand, Bent has scored 7 goals this season for the Rams, creating 14 chances and undoubtedly, has a point to prove after missing a sitter against Burton Albion. Elphick, however, has to stay sharp and mobile, knowing that any complacency would let the 33-year-old striker create mayhem.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
