Aston Villa will host West Bromwich Albion at the weekend in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals. The Clarets and the Blues went on a terrific run of form which saw them win ten games in a row. However, West Brom are unbeaten against the Villans in their last four encounters, and the Baggies have won in their previous two trips at Villa Park.
However, if Villa plays to their true potential, then they would back themselves to get a positive result in the first leg which would put them in a strong position to enter into their second consecutive playoff finals.
Team News
Aston Villa will be glad that their top scorer Tammy Abraham will be available for this all-important clash after suffering a shoulder injury. Apart from James Chester, Dean Smith should have a strong squad to choose from here.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs West Bromwich Albion
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Jed Steer is expected to start in between the sticks for the Villans. He should be shielded by the centre back partnership of Tyrone Mings and Tommy Elphick who has recovered from his ankle injury. They will have a big task of keeping Jay Rodriguez quiet as he has already scored in both the league games against Villa this season.
Experienced Wales international Neil Taylor will start from the left side of the defence. Ahmed Elmohamady is expected to start as a right back which will complete the back four for Dean Smith.
Midfield
Glen Whelan is likely to start in the deepest role in midfield, and his job would be to keep things tight and help the back four. John McGinn is going to start in central areas, and the Scotsman will be in a dynamic role in the middle of the park. Jack Grealish will partner him there, and he will have the onus of creating chances for his team in the attacking half of the pitch.
Dutch international Anwar El Ghazi has had an impressive season down the flanks, and he is expected to operate from the left. Albert Adomah is going to start from the right, and his pace and trickery are likely to cause a problem to the West Brom defence.
Attack
Jonathan Kodjia filled in well in the absence of Tammy Abraham. However, the Chelsea loanee has been his side’s talisman this season. Now that he is available, the Englishman is going to lead the line.
