Steve Bruce to make 2 changes – Strongest 4-4-2 Aston Villa XI to face Sunderland
Aston Villa have gotten their act together mid-season and have given themselves a proper shot at promotion back to the Premier League.
A run of 7 league wins in a row ended against a high-flying Fulham side. However, an encouraging 4-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday has put them back on course and they now face a trip to Sunderland with Steve Bruce looking to pile the pressure on his old club.
Sunderland are frankly awful and if Villa are confident of promotion, they simply have to put the home side to the sword.
Team News
Jack Grealish is nearing a comeback and may even play a part here. That said, it’s doubtful if he’ll start with a massive game against Wolves to come at the weekend.
Albert Adomah is now fit and will start at the Stadium of Light while Andre Green, Alan Hutton, Jed Steer, Jonathan Kodjia and Axel Tuanzebe are all still struggling.
Villa are likely to go ahead with a 4-4-2 formation at Sunderland.
Predicted Aston Villa XI
Manager: Steve Bruce
Formation: 4-4-2
GK – Sam Johnstone
The future England hopeful has had a great season and deserves to be listed among the best keepers in this league.
RB – Ahmed El Mohamady
One of a couple of former Sunderland players who may re-oppose here.
CB – James Chester
A solid centre-back who shouldn’t be overly burdened by what Sunderland have to offer going forward.
CB – John Terry
The former Chelsea and England captain still possesses plenty of quality and will line up once more.
LB – Neil Taylor
Alan Hutton has been great but Taylor is a natural left-back and has been chomping at the bit.
RW – Robert Snodgrass
If the ex-Hull man keeps things simple and makes his delivery perfect he will cause all sorts of problems.
CM – Glenn Whelan
On the scoresheet at Hillsborough and will be looking to follow up here.
CM – Conor Hourihane
Probably Premier League quality and is likely to be too good for the Sunderland central midfield.
LW – Albert Adomah
The winger is back and would have played over the weekend, had the QPR game not been called off.
ST – Lewis Grabban
Sunderland’s best player in the first half of the season by a mile could come back to haunt them big style this week.
ST – Scott Hogan
Whether or not he gets on the scoresheet is one thing, but in any case, his presence will create plenty of space for Grabban and therefore he is vital to the cause.