Aston Villa, Steve Bruce prepare for Norwich City clash
By Josh Tonti
Fresh off a pair of humiliating away defeats, Aston Villa returns home for a match against The Canaries. An injury to Scott Hogan leaves Steve Bruce light at the forward position.
To say this is a must-win for Steve Bruce is probably putting it lightly. If the manager fails to pick-up 3-4 points in the next two league matches, and advance in The Carabao Cup, he is more than likely looking at the sack.
It would be well deserved, too with the plethora of options available with this squad. Ultimately, it could be injuries and asinine tactics that lead to his downfall.
But, we are not there yet. The Canaries of Norwich City come to town with four points from their first three matches. A 2-0 defeat of QPR elevated Norwich back to the middle of the table. Star forward Nelson Oliveira has two goals to begin the year; he’s hoping for another start, despite playing three matches in six days.
For Villa, Scott Hogan joins the injury ranks with a bum ankle. According to Bruce, Hogan received an injection that decreased the swelling, but he’s due for some time on the sidelines. In positive news, Mile Jedinak returned to training, but he is one week away from reaching match fitness. Jonathan Kodjia and Jack Grealish remain out.
Ahmed Elmohamady is a question mark after having thirty stitches to repair his mouth. UPDATE: He declared himself fit.
PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI: Johnstone; De Laet, Chester, Terry (c), Taylor; Whelan, Hourihane, Onomah; Adomah, Davis, Green.
SUBSTITUTES: Steer, Samba, Hutton, Bree, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Agbonlahor.
Yikes. Not a lot of attacking talent on the bench. This match is screaming for a big target man like Keinan Davis. The 19-year old impressed in Premier League 2 action on Monday. It is his turn to lead the line at Villa Park.
Albert Adomah was a surprise snub away at Reading. He takes over the right-flank from Birkir Bjarnason. The midfield could be set-up in a myriad of ways, but expect Conor Hourihane to retain his spot after scoring in league play.
Now Steve Bruce needs to get him in a more advanced attacking role.
Next: Aston Villa Linked To Jack Wilshere
WHEN: Saturday, August 19, 2017, 10:00AM EST
WHERE: Villa Park, Birmingham
PREDICTION: 1-1 (Green) (Watkins)
A draw is not what Aston Villa needs, but it’s an improvement.