Week 2 of the EFL Championship continues. Aston Villa travels to Wales in a Saturday match-up against Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds of Cardiff are thus far undefeated in two matches. The Neil Warnock-led squad defeated a weak Burton Albion team over the weekend before advancing in The Carabao Cup over Portsmouth.
At home, they should be a tall task for The Claret and Blue. Aston Villa will be without André Green for the match. The 19-year old winger suffered a groin strain – presumably in training – because he was not visibly injured against Colchester United.
Mile Jedinak is still “ten days out” according to Steve Bruce. Jonathan Kodjia has inflammation in his fractured ankle; therefore, as expected he is still out as well. Hopefully by the end of August we will see both players back in the teamsheet. Likewise, Jack Grealish is out too, but he was released from the hospital, very positive news.
Against Burton, Cardiff deployed a five-man defense. With a home fixture, it should be expected they will follow the same route. Lee Peltier mans the right wingback role, while ex-Villan Joe Bennett handles the left.
The attacking triumvirate of Kenneth Zohore, Lee Tomlin, and Junior Hoilett is not one to trifle with. As a result, Aston Villa should have their hands full.
With no Andre Green, goalscorer Gabby Agbonlahor retains his role on the wing. Leandro Bacuna seems to be on his way out too; Josh Onomah, after excelling in Colchester, takes his place in central midfield.
Other than the one switch, Bruce trots out 10/11 personnel he used against Hull City. Of note, Callum O’Hare is expected to travel with the first team.
ASTON VILLA PROJECTED XI: Johnstone; Hutton, Chester, Terry (c), Taylor; Whelan, Onomah; Elmohamady, Lansbury, Agbonlahor, Hogan.
SUBSTITUTES: Steer, Samba, Bree, Bjarnason, Hourihane, O’Hare, Adomah.
Next: Jordan Amavi SOLD to Marseille
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 10:00AM EST
Where: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (Hogan) (Tomlin)
I see a 1-1 draw in Wales, despite Villa’s best efforts. Cardiff is playing well and Villa’s road woes are well documented. It will be tough to play an intense 90 if Agbonlahor dies on the wing after 40 minutes like he did against Hull.
Callum O’Hare and Conor Hourihane off the bench could the difference makers, however.