Aston Villa Football Club attempt to make it five in a row at Wolves
By Josh Tonti
Steve Bruce and company can make it five wins in a row at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. Aston Villa Football Club and Wolverhampton Wanderers face-off in a match-up of two promotion contenders.
Before previewing the match, let us preface this by recapping news from the Football Association. Club owner Dr. Tony Xia was fined £4,000 for an inflammatory tweet about the referee that sent off Neil Taylor in a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolton.
Because Taylor’s red card was upheld, Aston Villa will be without their only senior left back for an important series of fixtures – one that could define the club’s season.
Who will fill-in at left back? Alan Hutton, Ritchie De Laet, or James Bree could flip fullback flanks. Birkir Bjarnason could get another run out as well after playing 90 minutes against Colchester all the way back in August. Likewise, 19-year old Mitch Clark played out of position as well against Wigan Athletic. Options galore for Steve Bruce. Though, none inspire a ton of confidence.
PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI (4-4-2): Johnstone; Elmohamady, Chester, Terry (c), Hutton; Snodgrass, Whelan, Hourihane, Adomah; Kodjia, Davis.
SUBSTITUTES: Steer, Samba, De Laet, Jedinak, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Hogan.
Don’t change what isn’t broken. Bruce continues with his preferred 4-4-2, but it’s the left back role that comes into question. Considering Alan Hutton has been preferred to De Laet and Bree for places on the bench recently, he gets the nod. Another option includes playing Bjarnason (an excellent flank defender) at left midfield with Albert Adomah going to the right-hand side.
Mile Jedinak is nearing fitness again after re-aggravating his groin injury. He might be ready for a place in the 18 as cover for Glenn Whelan. Likewise, Henri Lansbury shook off a knee injury and is ready to go too.
WHEN: Saturday, October 14 2017 @12:30PM EST.
WHERE: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
PREDICTION: 1-1 Draw. (Kodjia) (Jota)
Expect a tightly contested contest. Aston Villa pull a late equalizer via Jonathan Kodjia.