[Image] Predicted 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa XI to face Nottingham Forest – can the Villans make it 4 in a row?

Predicted Aston Villa line-up to face Nottingham Forest in the Championship

Aston Villa picked up a superb 4-2 victory against Birmingham City in the Championship this weekend as Dean Smith’s side continued their recent run of form. The win takes the Villans back to 8th place and very much in contention to make it to the playoffs.

The manager will now turn his attention to the mid-week clash against Nottingham Forest in the Championship. Forest are on the back of a win against Hull City and will pose a tough test for the Villans.

Team News

John McGinn, Birkir Bjarnason and Keinan Davis are still out and will be unavailable for this game. The manager is expected to make one or two changes to the team in order to keep the squad fresh between the hectic schedule.

Probable Aston Villa XI

Manager: Dean Smith

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Orjan Nyland (GK)

Should keep his place despite conceding two against Birmingham City. He hasn’t made too many mistakes in goal.

Alan Hutton (RB)

Hutton scored last time out and caused all sorts of problems, raiding down the right flank. He should continue at right-back.

Axel Tuanzebe (CB)

Tuanzebe has been a huge presence at the back for the Villans this season. His defensive prowess needs to be on spot against Nottingham Forest.

James Chester (CB)

Chester has looked good over the last few weeks and has proven to be the ideal partner for Tuanzebe at the back.

Neil Taylor (LB)

Taylor wasn’t so great last time out but he too should continue to maraud down the left flank.

Yannick Bolasie (RM)

Bolasie might return to the line-up in place of Albert Adomah for this game in order to provide him with some rest.

Conor Hourihane (RCM)

Did well to move the ball and keep things simple against Birmingham City. He should start this game in central midfield.

Glenn Whelan (LCM)

Whelan will continue to partner Hourihane in the middle for this game. His defensive work rate is very underrated.

Jonathan Kodjia (LM)

Looked dangerous and scored a goal last time out as he wreaked havoc against Birmingham.

Jack Grealish (CAM)

There is no way Grealish can be dropped from this side in a good moment like this. He picks the passes and makes things happen for them in the final third.

Read more: Aston Villa must simply keep hold of their 34-year-old veteran as he’d play an important role in promotion push – agreed?

Tammy Abraham (ST)

After making a slow start, Abraham is now finding the net on a consistent basis. He will continue to lead the line.