Steve Bruce’s men will be raring to take on Sunderland this Tuesday, as they look to get closer to a chance at promotion this season. Their clash against QPR at the weekend was postponed but Villa have a chance to make up on the gap at the top of the table. A victory in this tie could take them to within seven points of Wolves at the top of the table.
Sunderland, who are still rooted to the bottom of the points table, took a point from their trip to Millwall at the weekend and are unbeaten in their last two games. But Villa have enough firepower to get all three points from this game and here is the predicted lineup the Villains might field for this tie:
Team News:
The manager is still without the services of Andre Green, Jonathan Kodjia and Jed Steer, who are expected to miss this game, along with Axel Tuanzebe and Alan Hutton, who are all out injured. Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish are both back in training and are available for selection.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1):
Defence:
Sam Johnstone has been the undisputed no.1 for Villa under the bar and is expected to keep his place in the side for this game as well. James Chester and John Terry have been effective as a CB pairing this season for Bruce and he is expected to stick with them for this clash at Stadium of Light.
With both Tuanzebe and Hutton injured, Ahmed El Mohamady is an automatic choice at right-back while Neil Taylor will keep his place at left-back against Sunderland.
Midfield:
Robert Snodgrass has been the most consistent players for the Villains this season and will be the danger man for the Black Cats in this tie. He should keep his place in the side on the right side of the midfield while Albert Adomah, who is back to full fitness, is expected to start on the left side of the midfield-4.
The manager has used Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane as the first choice midfield pairing for most games this season, to good effect. There is no reason for him to tinker with this combination and should field his strongest XI.
Attack:
Having picked up a goal in Villa’s latest victory over Sheffield Wednesday, Lewis Grabban is now an important player for the side and will have to be kept quiet, if Sunderland are to take anything from this game. He will play a supporting role in the attack as Scott Hogan will continue to lead the line for Villa.
Here is how they might line up:
