After securing a point from their 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the Elland Road last weekend, Aston Villa are set to face Millwall at the Villa Park this Saturday for their 21st game in the Championship.
Under the tutelage of Steve Bruce, Villa have been quite productive this season, having collected 36 points so far and are currently placed at the 5th spot in the league table. They need to keep the momentum up and running and here is how we expect Bruce to place his starting line-up against Neil Harris’ side.
Defence
John Terry is still out with his foot injury, but it has been riveting to see how Bruce’s troops have managed to keep things nice and tidy at the back, more often than not, despite the absence of their skipper.
James Chester and Christopher Samba have worked together as a unit in a meticulous fashion and it is unlikely that Bruce would be keen to trifle with that, considering that these two central defenders have blended well.
Once again at the left-back position, Neil Taylor should find himself being stationed, whereas, on the other side, consistent right-back in the shape of Alan Hutton would continue to be a safe bet for the Villans.
Sam Johnstone has been the irreplaceable first-choice goalkeeper for Aston Villa this season and has been in a good form between the sticks, clinching 8 clean sheets in 20 games so far and is expected to start with the gloves against Millwall.
Midfield
The fill the central midfield, the duo comprising of Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane is anticipated to be given the nod to start once again, as they really knit the side together as a unit. Mile Jedinak remains out with his shoulder injury.
On their right, keeping Robert Snodgrass’ position intact would be a good idea whereas, from the left side of the midfield, Albert Adomah would look forward to spice up the occasion.
Handing Henri Lansbury, instead of Joshua Onomah, the role of the no. 10 is something that we are seemingly likely to see against the Lions. Lansbury scored the equalizer for Villa against Leeds United last weekend and is capable enough to ply his trade effectively from the aforesaid position.
Attack
Bruce is short of options up front, with Jonathan Kodjia, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Scott Hogan sidelined with an injury, which implies that Keinan Davis would be stationed as the striker of the Claret & Blues.
