Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa: a 3-4-1-2 formation can earn three points on Saturday

By Josh Tonti

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa lines up his wall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Griffin Park on February 13, 2019 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Tammy Abraham of Aston Villa lines up his wall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Griffin Park on February 13, 2019 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With injuries abound and one key suspension looming, now is the time for Dean Smith to experiment with a quick formation change.

Though Jack Grealish is expected back with the first-team on Saturday, he should not be counted on to start from the opening whistle. More likely, he will make his return from a two month injury layoff via the bench. As such, with fellow midfielder John McGinn suspended for the next two matches, manager Dean Smith must change things up in order to compete for a victory.

How about a 3-4-1-2?

Granted Lovre Kalinic passes concussion protocol this week, he should be counted on to start in goal (he was forced off at half-time vs. Albion). In front of the Croatian would be Tyrone Mings anchoring the middle, flanked by fellow defenders Kortney Hause on the left and Tommy Elphick on the right. Sounds strong in the air, right? And everyone is on their correct foot?

Not having McGinn really is problematic for Smith for the sole reason that all other options have been incredibly underwhelming (at least since the turn of the year). To that end, Conor Hourihane is the best of the bunch and he should absolutely slot in centrally after being booed off Villa Park last Saturday. Next to him, either Glenn Whelan Birkir Bjarnason should suffice – and granted Grealish can go – will only need to put a ~60 minute shift in. On the outside Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohamady can hopefully provide enough width in possession while keeping their positional senses. If Smith is extra daring, even Albert Adomah or André Green could potentially be an option.

Underneath strike pair Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham should be Anwar El Ghazi. It’s a shame he’s having an indifferent season, but what Anwar does well isn’t always visible from the flanks. He’s an intelligent dribbler who doesn’t blow past defenders with pace; his two-footed ability would be a swoon from a No. 10 position.

Next. Aston Villa's Play-Off Chances Explained. dark

GK: Kalinic

3: Elphick, Mings, Hause

4: Elmohamady, Whelan/Bjarnason, Hourihane, Taylor/Green/Adomah

1: El Ghazi

2: Kodjia, Abraham

Home/Analysis