Premier League strugglers Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their winning run going when they take on Leicester City in the semifinal of the Carabao Cup, in what is assured to be the Villans’ most important fixture of the season so far. Having not had an FA Cup game to play like the rest of the Premier League clubs, Dean Smith is expected to put out a full-strength side to try and topple the 1-1 aggregate score from the first leg.
The Foxes, on the other hand, are still in line for the domestic treble and are likely to consider the Carabao Cup as a highly winnable tournament. Although the other semifinal is being played out between Manchester United and Manchester City, given the season that they’ve been having, it wouldn’t be past Leicester to go all the way this time.
Team News
Two of the biggest misses for Dean Smith are central striker Wesley as well as experienced shot-stopper Tom Heaton, who are both currently nursing ACL injuries and aren’t expected to return until next season. Keinan Davis’ return is sure to come as motivating news for the manager, while John McGinn’s fractured ankle is surely set to keep him out of contention as well. Winter acquisition Mbwana Samatta could make his debut for the Villans in this fixture, and his presence will surely come as a massive boost to Dean Smith’s attacking plans for the rest of the campaign.
3-4-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Leicester City
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
With Jed Steer and Tom Heaton out injured, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been acquired by the Villans, and he’s looked like a man on a mission so far this term. The Spaniard is sure to keep his place between the sticks, with the defence line is front of him set to be retained for this fixture as well. Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause will form the three-man Villa defence against Leicester.
Midfield
Former Manchester City star Douglas Luiz scores the Villans’ winner in their most recent league outing against Watford and should regain his place in the starting lineup for this tie. Expect to see Chelsea loanee Danny Drinkwater dropping down to the bench, with the Brazilian set to be partnered by Zimbabwean international midfield destroyer Marvelous Nakamba. The wide positions are expected to be filled by Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett on either side.
Attack
Saying that the Villans’ attack has been underperforming this season would be a massive understatement, and the addition of a quality striker like Mbwana Samatta could go a long way towards settling things at Villa Park. The Tanzanian is expected to make his debut against Leicester for this fixture and could be partnered in attack by Jack Grealish and Anwar El Ghazi.
