Predicted Aston Villa Line-up To Face Fulham In The EFL Championship

Aston Villa, though horribly predictably for most of us, are once again underwhelming their fans this seaso, and automatic promotion looks a fair way off for now.

Villa lost a crucial away derby at Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out and need to bounce back very quickly.  For what it’s worth, I think this game has the look of a draw about it but it may pay in the long run for Steve Bruce to take the shackles off his side and come out all guns blazing.

For now though I think we’ll see another functional display of questionable impact against a decent Fulham side who prefer to play away from home.

Formation: 4-4-2

Manager: Steve Bruce

GK – Sam Johnstone

The Preston-born ‘keeper has a solid look about him and will be between the sticks again when Fulham come to town.

RB – Ahmed Elmohamady

The former Sunderland and Hull man knows exactly what Steve Bruce wants from him, and should start this game.

CB – James Chester

A quality defender in the context of this division and a key player should Villa wish to achieve a play-off place.

CB – John Terry

There is no doubting that Terry retains plenty of ability. However, as the game at Wolves showed, the former Chelsea captain will be vulnerable against speedier attacks.

LB – Alan Hutton

Though hardly ideal as a replacement on this side, Hutton may once against deputise for the suspended Neil Taylor.

RM – Robert Snodgrass

Although perhaps not absolutely ideal, this sort of role for Snodgrass will suit him better than where West Ham were playing him and he really should be capable of bossing this level.

CM – Glenn Whelan

His career is on the down slope now but he retains ability. Like Terry, it’s hard sometimes to decide whether it’s more likely that his class will be too much for the opposition or whether his age and stage will let him down.

CM – Conor Hourihane

Played brilliantly for Barnsley last season before his move here, though he is yet to hit quite the same heights.

LM – Albert Adomah

Was substituted last time at Wolves but could be set for another start here at home.

ST – Scott Hogan

Was not afforded a start at Molineux but he was sent on from the bench and so he may be asked to justify his price tag from the start this time.

ST – Jonathan Kodjia

The star man, or at least the one with most potential in this team, Kodjia could yet prove crucial to Villa over the coming months.