Aston Villa players prepare for final World Cup Qualifiers
By Josh Tonti
It is the international break. Therefore, Aston Villa players travel the globe. Some have already booked their place in next summer’s FIFA World Cup, while some have their spots hanging on a home-and-home balance.
Australia captain Mile Jedinak made the Socceroos’ roster cut ahead of a winner-take-all home-and-home match-up with Honduras. The victor of the intercontinental playoff qualifies for the World Cup in Russia next summer.
Jedinak was a late fitness push after making Aston Villa’s bench the last two league games before the break. He’s not quite 100% yet, but there is a very good chance he plays 90-minutes (at least) in both matches in either defensive midfield or center back.
The first match takes place in San Pedro Sula, Honduras at 5 p.m. EST on Friday the 10th. The return leg in Sydney is on Wednesday, November 15th at 4 a.m. EST.
Aston Villa will have at least two (barring injuries, awful form) representatives in the World Cup next summer. Egypt and Iceland have already booked their tickets to the world’s top sporting event. As such, Ahmed Elmohamady and Birkir Bjarnason are not only good bets to go with their respective countries, but also play significant roles as starters.
Jonathan Kodjia, fresh off an injury scare, returns to the Golden Elephants of the Ivory Coast. They play their final group stage match against Morocco where a win is necessary to qualify. The two sides battle on Saturday with Morocco ahead on nine points and the Ivory Coast on eight points.
Kodjia is a lock to start at center-forward if the star striker is anywhere close to full fitness. He is aided in the attack by Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Berlin’s Salomon Kalou, and Sporting’s Seydou Doumbia.
In UEFA, WCQ playoffs continue after Thursday’s first-leg victories by Croatia and Switzerland. The Republic of Ireland takes on Denmark with a trio of Villa players in the Emerald Isle’s squad. Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane, and Scott Hogan all hold a place in Martin O’Neill’s team.
It is uncertain, which, if any will start either leg against Denmark. Glenn Whelan is the best bet, but Hourihane might be the most influential midfielder on Ireland’s roster. Forward Scott Hogan is still looking for his first cap in his third national team camp.
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On the youth side, Keinan Davis was left off England’s U-20 squad following Steve Bruce’s request to the youth team manager. Following a string of 13 matches in 10 weeks, Bruce asked if Davis could stay home and recuperate.
Aston Villa’s Easah Suliam was called-in.