Aston Villa v. Hull City: Previewing the Tigers’ hopes
By Josh Tonti
Aston Villa and Hull City are the final two clubs to kick-off Championship play on Monday. Let’s preview what to watch for at the KCOM Stadium.
Hull City manager Nigel Adkins took over from Leonid Slutsky in December and proceeded to turn results around, at least slightly. A revamped, younger Hull team is expected this season from Adkins, for whom many have pegged as a relegation candidate.
The Tigers are expected to be without two of their key players in Jackson Irvine and Kamil Grosicki after the pair received extended time off after the 2018 FIFA World Cup. New signings should litter Adkins’ eighteen, especially in defense. American fullback Eric Lichaj arrived from Nottingham Forest, as does Chelsea’s Todd Kane on loan. Centre-backs Reece Burke and Jordy de Wijs arrived from West Ham and PSV Eindhoven, respectively.
No longer is Allan McGregor the No. 1 goalkeeper. The Scotland international returned to the SPL with Rangers on a two-year contract. 24-year old George Long is expected between the sticks. Nouha Dicko, Fraizer Campbell, and Will Keane battle it out for a place in the attack.
For Aston Villa, it’s status quo from Wednesday’s projection. 3/4 strikers are out injured while a few questions in the starting XI remain.
Aston Villa Projected XI (4-1-4-1): Steer; Hutton, Chester, Jedinak, Taylor; Bjarnason; Adomah, Grealish, Hourihane, Green; Kodjia.
Substitutes: Moreira, Elphick, Bree, Elmohamady, Whelan, Lansbury, Knibbs.
Ritchie De Laet is suspended for the first two league games, hence the inclusion of Elmohamady, Bree, and Hutton. Mile Jedinak and Tommy Elphick are competing for the position opposite James Chester, but it could ultimately be Axel Tuanzebe if/when he signs on loan.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Glenn Whelan’s name in the starting XI. He’s been with Villa for the entire pre-season – unlike Bjarnason’s late arrival from the World Cup. Plus, it’s a road match – a game Steve Bruce probably prefers Whelan’s experience.
Steer vs. Moreira is a toss-up at this point, but perhaps the veteran is favored.
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Aston Villa are really lacking in healthy, reserve attackers, hence Harvey Knibbs’ inclusion. Look for he and Lansbury to be the first two off the bench should the team need a goal. Corey Blackett-Taylor is another to watch with only Green, Adomah, and Elmohamady to play wing.