The league season is nearing its end as Aston Villa host Reading F.C. on Saturday. The claret and blues play just five more matches with their playoff hopes all but ended.
Villa supporters can breath easy as Jonathan Kodjia is ready to go this weekend. Steve Bruce confirms Kodjia left the 1-1 draw with Burton over a dead leg.
Elsewhere, fellow strikers Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Gabby Agbonlahor are available. Both passed their injury tests after two weeks of training.
Bruce must decide whether he wants to elect a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 at home. Against Burton, a 4-3-3 was used with Jordan Amavi and Albert Adomah flanking nineteen goal man, Jonathan Kodjia.
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Reading F.C. bring a mixed side to Villa Park. The Royals remain firmly entrenched in a playoff spot – with seven points of safety. Fullback Paul McShane is doubtful with a calf strain.
However, veteran defensive midfielder Joey van den Berg returns after missing recent action.
The Royals rely on 35-year old French striker Yann Kermorgant for their scoring. He leads the club with fourteen league goals, followed closely by Jamaican winger Garath McCleary.
ASTON VILLA PROJECTED XI (4-3-3): Johnstone; Hutton, Chester (c), Baker, Taylor; Jedinak, Lansbury, Hourihane; Adomah, Kodjia, Amavi.
Substitutes: Bunn, Elphick, Bree, Gardner, Grealish, Hogan, Hepburn-Murphy.
Granted everyone is fit and healthy, Steve Bruce may elect to go back to the original Burton lineup. Before Jonathan Kodjia came off injured, Aston Villa was dictating play from the opening minute.
Bruce’s use of Neil Taylor and Jordan Amavi simultaneously offers stability and pace on the left wing. Moreover, Alan Hutton and Albert Adomah continue their partnership.
Figuring out a way to play both Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia together might be Bruce’s biggest goal in these final five matches.
Kickoff is 10:00AM Eastern Time