Aston Villa attempt their third consecutive league victory. This time, Steve Bruce’s men battle the basement-dwellers, Rotherham United. We have a number of updates on injuries and suspensions.
Aston Villa will be without Leandro Bacuna for six matches following a suspension for his actions Tuesday afternoon. Just before stoppage time, Bacuna bumped into the line judge after the ball went out-of-play.
This punishment seems a bit harsh considering the precedent set before on previous FA rulings. Arsène Wenger received four matches for physically shoving an official. Bacuna was not anywhere near that physical. Moreover, Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey was only suspended five matches for racial abuse!
In other Villa news, Scott Hogan is a couple of weeks away from returning – an incredible improvement over his initial diagnosis.
Youth sensation André Green will be out a month after limping off injured on Tuesday. Green’s absence opens up space on the wing for a possible return of Jack Grealish or Birkir Bjarnason. The claret and blue will also be without Gary Gardner for another ten days.
Rotherham United lay rooted at the bottom with 17 points from 34 matches. A full 14 points separates 24th and 23rd place.
ASTON VILLA PROJECTED XI (4-3-3): Johnstone; Hutton, Chester, Baker, Taylor; Jedinak, Lansbury, Hourihane; Adomah, Kodjia, Bjarnason.
Substitutes: Bunn, Elphick, Richards, Bree, Amavi, Grealish, Davis.
Steve Bruce noted in his press conference we could see the return of Micah Richards. A pair of injuries plus a suspension opens up a spot for not only him, but also 19-year old Keinan Davis.
Birkir Bjarnason replaces André Green from the starting lineup. Albert Adomah continues on the right wing. He is Villa’s leading assist man with eight in league play.
Next: Steve Bruce Shows Consistency In Pair Of Victories
Alan Hutton continues at right back over James Bree after impressing in a pair of victories. The rest of the backline remains the same. The relationship of the midfield trio: Jedinak, Lansbury, and Hourihane will be the match-up to watch.
Kickoff is 10:00AM Eastern Time.