Relegation threatened Premier League strugglers Aston Villa picked up what was undoubtedly their most important win of the season so far when they defeat Brendan Rodgers’ high-flying Leicester City side by a shocking 2-1 scoreline. The Villans took the lead quite early on in the tie thanks to Matt Targett before Kelechi Iheanacho levelled things up for the Foxes. Trezeguet then popped up with the winner three minutes into stoppage time to send the Villa Park faithful into absolute delirium.
They will face Manchester City in the League Cup final in what could be one of the best opportunities to win a trophy in the last decade. Dean Smith’s most immediate challenge is set to come in the form of Bournemouth, who haven’t been in very good form over the last couple of months. The Villans will be hoping to keep the momentum going into what promises to be a gruelling month of league action for them.
Team News
The injuries to Wesley and Tom Heaton mean that neither of them are expected to make a return to the team before the end of the season. The loan signing of Pepe Reina though was an extremely shrewd and timely piece of business by the Villans, and it could be one that saves the destiny of their entire season. John McGinn’s absence in the middle of the park has been an unavoidable problem as well.
Aston Villa 3-4-3 Predicted Lineup Vs Bournemouth
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
The addition of veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina has come as a massive blessing to this Aston Villa side, and his impact at the back is something that just cannot be underplayed. In front of him, expect to see the back three of Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause to continue, as the trio has been at the top of their game in the most recent victory against European contenders Leicester City.
Midfield
It’s safe to say that the Villa midfield has had to work their absolute socks off to ensure that they get the win against the Foxes in midweek, and the performance they have displayed should be enough motivation for Dean Smith to stick with the same quartet across the middle. Matt Targett scored the Villans’ opener against Leicester, and hence he would be expected to keep his place, while Frederic Guilbert should continue on the opposite flank. Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz are both set to continue operating as the double pivot as well.
Attack
Mbwana Samatta has shown some extremely positive signs during his debut against Leicester and is sure to be in line for his first ever Premier League appearance when they travel to the Vitality Stadium. Jack Grealish has undoubtedly been their most important player this season, meaning that the Englishman is set to continue on the right flank. The midweek match-winner Trezeguet will have to do with a place on the bench, allowing Anwar El Ghazi to retain his place in the starting eleven.
