Aston Villa faces a trip to City Ground on Wednesday as Dean Smith aims to beat Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
The Villans won the Birmingham derby last weekend after Jack Grealish scored the only goal against Birmingham City. Smith would have been happy with the performance and result and will go all guns blazing to beat Forest to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Nottingham Forest are just two points above Aston Villa at eighth and come into Wednesday’s game after thrashing Hull City 3-0.
Tommy Elphick suffered a serious foot injury against Derby County and will be out for six to seven weeks. He has joined the likes of Alan Hutton, James Chester, Axel Tuanzebe and Henri Lansbury on the treatment table.
Steer kept a clean sheet in the Birmingham derby and will be hoping to keep one against Nottingham Forest.
Elmohamady will look to make the most of Hutton’s injury and nail a place down at right-back. He will look to put in a strong display at the City Ground.
Hause was recalled into the starting XI against Birmingham City and he did well. Smith could use the 23-year-old in central defence on Wednesday again.
Mings is a mighty presence at the back and will look to deliver the goods against Forest.
It’s high time Taylor steps up amidst injuries. The Welshman will keep his place at left-back.
Hourihane could be given a slightly deeper role on Wednesday, with Whelan dropping to the bench.
McGinn came on as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over rivals Birmingham City. However, he could be handed a start at Forest.
Grealish has blown hot and cold this campaign but his winner against Birmingham City couldn’t have come at a better time. He will look to get into promising positions and carve open Forest defence on Wednesday.
Adomah had a really poor outing at Birmingham City but he’ll be desperate to produce a good display away from home.
El Ghazi is a pacey customer who likes to take on defenders and beat them with his speed and dribbling skills. He will keep his place on the left wing.
Abraham has been a regular fixture for Aston Villa and the team’s chief source of goals this campaign. The youngster will again be tasked to lead the line.
