Aston Villa are set to clash with Millwall for their last game of the regular EFL Championship season. The match is due to take place at The Den on Sunday evening.
Almost an inconsequential matchup at this point for both sides as the final placement of the season might already have been wrapped up by now. Steve Bruce’s side has secured their place in the promotion playoffs with 83 points and is out of the race for the automatic promotion spot.
The hosts, on the other hand, have a mathematical chance of joining the Villains but they still have a 9-goal deficit to overcome before they can overtake Derby County in the 6th spot. Not to mention that the Rams along with Preston North End will have to lose their last games.
Neil Harris’s men will be looking to end the season on a high note and start preparing for the next one.
The last time these two sides went up against each other was back in early December and the match ended 0-0. A similar story can reoccur this Sunday since neither side has much to fight for.
Villa will be at a relative advantage since Millwall will be without their star forward, Tim Cahill for this tie. The Australian international is currently serving a 3-game ban for violent conduct in the Fulham match.
The Lions could also be without Mahlon Romeo and Ben Webster. Here is how Steve Bruce might field his men to target the opposition’s weak spots.
Formation: 4-5-1
Defence
Sam Johnstone should get the nod for the goalkeeper position ahead of Jed Steer and Mark Bunn. The 25-year-old has earned rave reviews with his great reactionary saves this season.
John Terry might get rested ahead of the playoff battle in order to prevent any more damage to the ankle. The centre-back roles, therefore, will have to be filled with James Chester and Mile Jedinak.
Ahmed El Mohamady is the predicted starter on the right and Alan Hutton on the left. Neil Taylor has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Midfield
Glenn Whelan should find himself in the usual anchor role in midfield. Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish are to partner up in front of the 34-year-old to create the Villa offence.
Birkir Bjarnason is still recovering from his calf injury.
The flanks might feature Robert Snodgrass on the right and Albert Adomah on the left.
Attack
Lewis Grabban will look to continue his impressive run of form by starting in the centre-forward role. Scott Hogan is set to remain on the bench.
