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Aston Villa vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers: Expected Starting XI

By Josh Tonti

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Leo Bonatini of Wolves during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Swansea City at Molineux on January 6, 2018 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Leo Bonatini of Wolves during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Swansea City at Molineux on January 6, 2018 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Villa Park is the scene between heavyweight EFL Championship clubs Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In the grand scheme of things, Saturday’s clash with Wolves is not more important than any of the other remaining fixtures on the schedule. Yes, it’s a “six-pointer” with the league leaders, but the gap remains 10 points, which might as well be 11 points accounting for the gulf in goal differential.

But that won’t stop Aston Villa from going for it.

A refreshed squad received more positive injury news over recent days. Jonathan Kodjia is set to start training on Monday. He likely will not play the rest of the season, but even his presence in training is positive next step. More importantly, however, Steve Bruce officially ruled Jack Grealish fit to start. Grealish, coupled with a second consecutive appearance from Albert Adomah, remain key to unlocking a tough Wolves’ defense anchored in a back three.

The away side gets an added boost from the return of star midfielder Rúben Neves. The Portugal international was serving a two-game ban for the accumulation of ten yellow cards. Similarly, central defender Romain Saïss will serve a two-game ban with his next booking.

Projected Aston Villa XI (4-1-4-1): Johnstone; Elmohamady, Chester, Terry, Taylor; Jedinak; Snodgrass, Grealish, Hourihane, Adomah; Grabban.

No true surprises here, as both Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe remain out with hamstring strains. Therefore, the fullback spots are secure between Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady. Elsewhere, Glenn Whelan is out after suffering an injury against Sunderland; Mile Jedinak is the most likely to take over defensive midfield, though Birkir Bjarnason is in contention too.

Lewis Grabban vs. Scott Hogan at center forward is the only spot ‘up-for-grabs.’ I can’t envision Steve Bruce not going with the hot hand (foot).

Substitutes: Bunn, Samba, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Onomah, Hogan, Davis.

Next: Aston Villa's Circus of Goalscorers

The lack of reserve defenders possibly equates to the match-day returns of Christopher Samba and/or James Bree.

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