After a disappointing draw with Hull City, Aston Villa are due to host Reading at the Villa Park on Tuesday. While a finish inside the top-six spots in the Championship looks very likely for the Villans, they cannot afford to be complacent and must strive to bag all three points against Paul Clement’s entourage.
Aston Villa Team News
Glenn Whelan is doubtful for the upcoming fixture because of his calf injury. Andre Green is nearing a return from his hamstring and Birkir Bjarnason could feature after being rested against Hull City following international commitments with Iceland.
Goalkeeper
Sam Johnstone has been quite brilliant for Bruce’s side more often than not this season. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has notched up 16 clean sheets from 39 games in the Championship, making 2.49 saves per game on an average, and deserves to be chalked between the sticks once again.
Defence
A four-man defensive wall is set to be rolled out by Bruce yet again. The back line has been resilient, thanks to John Terry’s imposing presence at the heart of it, as the former Chelsea skipper has rendered his leadership and experience to a massive extent. Besides, he has churned an excellent camaraderie with James Chester and these two are expected to start.
Ahmed Elmohamady is seemingly likely to get the nod to start from the right-back slot instead of Axel Tuanzebe as the latter struggled against the Tigers. Meanwhile, Alan Hutton is anticipated to be pencilled at the left-back position owing to the industry that he offers. Hutton, in particular, was outstanding against Nigel Adkins’ troops.
Midfield
To shield the back line, Mile Jedinak would be a decent option as the Australian does work hard from the defensive midfield’s position and tries to knit the side together with his passes and vision. Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane are expected to start from central midfield.
Grealish and Hourihane need to gallop forward frequently to create goal openings for their employers. Robert Snodgrass has plundered 7 goals and has registered 13 assists to his name in the Championship this season and he is seemingly likely to be one of the first names to find a place in Bruce’s starting line-up.
Snodgrass is expected to operate from the right side of the midfield and he would be aiming to jot down stupendous crosses, create chances and score goals. Albert Adomah might keep his position on the left side of the midfield.
Attack
Lewis Grabban struggled against Aston Villa and thus, Scott Hogan might start in the clash against the Royals. There is a notable competition for the striker’s role under the tutelage of Bruce and we might see Jonathan Kodjia featuring at some point during the game.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored & Squawka
