Aston Villa: A starting XI without Amavi or Kodjia

By Josh Tonti | May 19, 2017

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 11 : Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa scores his second goal for Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday at Villa Park on March 11, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) /

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Nathan Baker of Aston Villa is sent off by referee Steve Martin during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Brighton /

It seems all but certain that Sam Johnstone is set to return to Aston Villa. José Mourinho has reportedly given Manchester United the green light for a season-long loan.

At right back, Steve Bruce has a whole slew of options from which to choose. However, let’s pencil James Bree into the starting lineup. Ritchie De Laet is coming off a serious knee injury and may miss the first month recovering. At this point in his career, Alan Hutton is better suited for a support role.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken. That’s the theme in central defense, where Aston Villa had a top-five club in defense.

James Chester and Nathan Baker are the perfect right-left combo for England’s second division. Just have to keep the latter fit and healthy all season long…

Neil Taylor should continue his run at left back after Jordan Amavi’s departure. A rather unheralded signing, Taylor performed admirably in the back line.

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