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Aston Villa vs. Rotherham United: Predicted lineup and streaming options

By Josh Tonti

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Axel Tuanzebe of Aston Villa battles for possession with Neal Maupay of Brentford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park on August 22, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Axel Tuanzebe of Aston Villa battles for possession with Neal Maupay of Brentford during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park on August 22, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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This is a must-win, right? Aston Villa host Rotherham United in another quick turnaround in midweek Championship action.

Steve Bruce really, really needs a victory on Tuesday for the sake of job security. It’s not inconceivable to think another defeat will force the hands of Nassef Sawiris, Wes Edens, and Tony Xia to make a managerial change.

But thankfully for all involved, Rotherham provides a good opportunity to collect three points. The Millers returned to England’s second division after a disastrous 24th-place finish in 2015/2016. They’re better now, but not by much and hold a -5 goal differential through 7 league matches. It’s one reason why this match is another inflection point for Steve Bruce. If he can’t beat Rotherham at home, and convincingly, who can he defeat?

Rotherham is buoyed by a young core, led by 22-year old midfielder Ryan Manning, 21-year old ‘keeper Marek Rodák, and mainstay Will Vaulks. Paul Warne’s squad travels to Villa Park fresh off an impressive 1-0 victory over promotion contenders Derby County. For Villa, the injury report is mostly the same: Scott Hogan has returned to training, but isn’t ready for a full shift. Yannick Bolasie made his club debut on Saturday, but he might need one more substitute appearance before going a full 90 minutes.

Predicted Aston Villa XI (4-1-4-1): Nyland; Elmohamady, Chester (c), Tuanzebe, Taylor; Whelan; El Ghazi, Grealish, Hourihane, Kodjia; Abraham.

Substitutes: Moreira, Jedinak, Hutton, Bjarnason, McGinn, Adomah, Bolasie.

After several indifferent appearances, John McGinn might have to settle for a bench spot with Conor Hourihane re-entering. Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham have the ability to form an absolutely menacing strike partnership.

The question remains, however: how does the rest of the lineup settle behind them?

Does Jack Grealish settle for left-wing in order to accommodate he, Conor, and John? How do Yannick Bolasie and Anwar El Ghazi hold-up as pure outside midfielders? And do Glenn Whelan/Mile Jedinak have the legs for a midfield pivot?

Next. Aston Villa vs. Blackburn: 3 Thoughts. dark

WHEN: 17 September 2018 @ 7:45 p.m. GMT / 2:45 p.m. EST

WHERE: New York Stadium / Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England

PREDICTION: 3-1 Aston Villa victory (Abraham, Grealish, Hourihane)

Villa will no doubt make this more difficult than necessary, but on paper they should win. The game is live on Sky Sports in the U.K. with an ESPN+ streaming option for U.S. subscribers.

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