Aston Villa are coming off a heavy 2-1 loss against Brentford for this fixture on 30th December. The Villans are travelling to the Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough and are on a 5 game run without a win.
The Boxing Day loss seriously hurts their chances of making the playoff spots falling 4 points behind Sheffield United in the 8th spot of the EFL Championship.
Middlesbrough will head into the game full of confidence, after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 on Boxing Day, and with new manager Tony Pulis now at the helm. They currently sit in the seventh spot of the points table – a position that will be seen as a huge disappointment by Boro fans, following their side’s heavy expenditure in the summer.
However, all’s not lost just yet. Steve Bruce’s men are vulnerable right with multiple injuries mounting up one game after the other. 12 goal striker, Adam Adomah was kicked in the stomach in the last fixture and has been ruled out for this fixture.
Bruce will have to work his magic and somehow extract a favourable result to climb over their opposition in the points table. He is expected to field his men in the 4-4-1-1 formation.
Defence
Sam Johnstone is the right choice to appear between the sticks for this fixture. However, a match predicted to be full of goals might not add to his tally of 9 clean sheets.
The right-back position is expected to be filled up by 33-year-old veteran Alan Hutton with Neil Taylor on the left.
Tommy Elphick can look to find himself in the centre-back role alongside club captain, James Chester. The defensive lineup is expected to remain the same until John Terry returns from injury. He is predicted to appear against Bristol City on New Year’s day.
Midfield
Glen Whelan and Mile Jedinak are expected to take up the holding midfield roles. Keinan Davies might make a substitute appearance in the second half to provide fresh bout of energy.
Robert Snodgrass is the best attacking threat while cutting from the right wing and should expect to be fielded there.
Josh Onomah returned to the squad from a foot injury and might be chosen to replace Adomah in the left wing position.
Attack
With strikers, Gabby Agbonlahor and Jonathan Kodjia still tending to their injuries, Jack Grealish is expected to take up the centre-forward role behind Scott Hogan. The Irishman still has not opened up his goalscoring tally for the season with just 1 assist.
