Predicted Aston Villa XI to face West Brom in the Championship playoffs

Aston Villa suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of already-promoted Norwich City in their final game in the Championship last week but Dean Smith’s men still head into the playoffs as the most in-form team in the division.

The Lions have made it to their second consecutive playoffs and they will play host to West Brom in the first leg of the semi-finals on Saturday.

West Brom lost their final game 3-1 to Derby County and the Baggies will need to rise to the occasion if they are to have any chances of making it back to the Premier League in the first time of asking.

Team News

Aston Villa rested many of their key players in the 2-1 defeat to Norwich in their previous outing and Dean Smith will be expected to make multiple changes to his playing eleven in the playoffs.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Smith has confirmed that Tammy Abraham will be ready to lead the line against West Brom, which should come as a piece of welcome news to the fans at Villa Park.

James Chester is also back in training from his injury but Tyrone Mings is expected to partner Axel Tuanzebe at the heart of the defence, while John McGinn and Jack Grealish will also make a return.

Tom Carroll (hip) and Orjan Nyland (Achilles tendon) are both ruled out for the clash.

Manager: Dean Smith

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted XI

1. Jed Steer (GK)

He made a couple of key saves against Norwich in the last game and has done exceptionally well between the sticks for the Lions in recent weeks.

2. Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)

The Egyptian international is expected to return to the eleven in place of Alan Hutton, who had a torrid time defensively against Norwich.

3. Tyrone Mings (CB)

The Bournemouth loanee was rested for the last game but he has been as solid as a rock at the back for Villa since his arrival in January and should start in the playoffs.

4. Axel Tuanzebe (CB)

The Man United loanee has returned back from injury just at the right time and Villa will need his pace and power at the back to keep West Brom at bay.

5. Neil Taylor (LB)

He has been a regular for Villa all season and should retain his place in the eleven.

6. Conor Hourihane (CDM)

He played some delightful passes against Norwich in the last game and has always been an ever-present for Villa in the middle of the park.

7. John McGinn (RCM)

The Scottish international was rested for the last game but he should return to the line-up for the playoff semi-final.

8. Jack Grealish (LCM)

Villa will rely heavily on their talismanic playmaker to spark that creativity in the final third and he should be fresh and ready to go after being rested for the last game.

9. Anwar El Ghazi (LW)

The Dutchman has been in and out of the team this season but his pace and flair might just come handy for Villa in the playoffs.

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10. Andre Green (RW)

The youngster has put in some promising performances in recent weeks and Smith should hand him a start ahead of the more experienced Albert Adomah.

11. Tammy Abraham (ST)

How badly Villa have missed him in the last few games! The Chelsea loanee has been excellent all season and the Lions will need him to fire on all cylinders on Saturday.