Aston Villa are hosting Peterborough United at Villa Park for their third-round FA Cup fixture. They are coming into the match in high spirits following a 5-0 win over title contenders Bristol City. They climbed themselves back up to the fifth spot of the points table and well suited to contend heavily for a Premier League promotion.
However, after playing 5 league games in 16 days, the squad is fatigued and injury struck. Steve Bruce’s men are vulnerable right with multiple injuries mounting up one game after the other and will be eager to get a well-deserved rest after this matchup.
The Claret and Blues are favourably stacked against a League One side right at home and are expected to come away with a win. A progress to the next round will be a huge boost to their campaign.
Bruce will have to work his magic and extract a favourable result to climb over their opposition in the points table. He will look to give all his key players a breather and might choose a young squad against the Posh. He is expected to field his men in the 4-3-3 formation.
Defence
Jed Steer is the rightful choice in between the sticks ahead of Sam Johnstone. He has played in previous cup fixtures and should start.
John Terry has faced a considerable bout on the sidelines and might get the nod alongside Tommy Elphick in the centre back roles. Easah Suliman is also a likely starter but might not get the start ahead of the former Chelsea veteran.
Neil Taylor is the best option for the left-back position after missing the last two games with James Bree on the right. Both of them are fresh and ready to start this cup tie.
Midfield
Jake Doyle-Hayes is expected to be paired up with Glenn Whelan and Birkir Bjarnason in the central midfield role. Their offensive responsibilities will be well balanced with the defensive quality of Whelan. The trio will have a major creative role centrally while shielding the backline against the Peterborough attacks.
Attack
Andre Green should find himself fielded on the left flank with Callum O’Hare on the right. They will provide with the necessary depth with O’Hare drifting in more centrally to get into better scoring positions.
Scott Hogan will most probably be rested and Steve Bruce might opt to field the 19-year-old striker, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. A big opportunity to impress the manager and start his goalscoring tally with just one League cup appearance this season.
