League Match 46: A final one for Aston Villa F.C.
By Josh Tonti
Here we are. The final match to an interesting season in an entirely different league. Aston Villa travel to Brighton, where the Seagulls are playing for the Championship title.
If you told me nine months ago, Aston Villa would be playing in the final match of the season with the title on the line, I would have been elated. Unfortunately, it’s the opposing side, Brighton & Hove Albion, with everything to play for.
Brighton secured automatic promotion weeks ago, but the seasiders will be hard pressed to fend off Newcastle United – just a single point below them in the standings. The Toons host Barnsley at home.
The match-up to watch is Anthony Knockaert vs. Neil Taylor along the right flank. If Taylor and company can control the Championship Player of the Year, Villa could surprise Brighton.
For the claret and blues, Mile Jedinak is a doubt after aggravating a groin injury. Moreover, Jonathan Kodjia is out with a broken ankle. Birkir Bjarnason, Ritchie De Laet, and Jed Steer are the other long-term absentees.
PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Bree, Chester (c), Baker, Taylor; Lansbury, Hourihane; Adomah, Grealish, Green; Hogan.
Substitutes: Bunn, Elphick, Hutton, Amavi, Gardner, Agbonlahor, Hepburn-Murphy.
It’s time for Steve Bruce to experiment a little. Let James Bree start at right back. Let André Green start at left wing; his athleticism can help stifle Anthony Knockaert.
Furthermore, a move to a 4-2-3-1 allows Jack Grealish to play in his preferred role as a number ten. Playing just under Scott Hogan gives Grealish another opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting lineup week in and week out.
Albert Adomah hasn’t been very good as of late, but he looks to add to his team-leading eleven assists.
Next: No, Jermain Defoe is not coming to Aston Villa
WHEN: Sunday, May 7th, 7:00am Eastern Time
WHERE: Falmer Stadium; Brighton & Hove Albion, East Sussex