Smith should start these two players – Predicted 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa XI to face Birmingham City

Predicted 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa XI to face Derby County in the Championship

Aston Villa comfortably romped home with a 3-0 victory against Derby County in their previous game before the international break.

The win over the Rams was Villa’s second consecutive victory after a 2-0 humbling of Bolton earlier in the month and Dean Smith’s men will have a tough battle in their hands when they host Birmingham City at the weekend.

Villa are currently placed 11th in the standings with 24 points from 17 games, just above Birmingham on goal difference.

Both the teams are expected to go for the win to climb higher up the table and push for a top six finish.

Team News

Dean Smith will have a few injuries to contend with for the weekend game. John McGinn, Neil Taylor, James Chester, Birkir Bjarnason and Keinan Davis are expected to miss the game against Birmingham.

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Manager: Dean Smith

Predicted XI

1. Orjan Nyland (GK)

He made a couple of fantastic saves in the last outing against Derby and should retain his position between the sticks for this one as well.

2. Alan Hutton (LB)

Played on both flanks in the last game and is always a reliable presence at the back.

3. Axel Tuanzebe (CB)

The Manchester United loanee put in a solid shift at the back in the last game and should start on Saturday.

4. Mile Jedinak (CB)

The injury to James Chester might open the door for the veteran Australian to get a start in the heart of the defence.

5. Ahmed El Mohamady (LB)

He has contributed equally to both the attack and the defence and should replace the injured Neil Taylor for this one.

6. Yannick Bolasie (RM)

The Congolese winger played a nice cameo in the last game and caused all sorts of problems for the defenders. Smith should hand him a start ahead of Albert Adomah.

7. John McGinn (CM)

He scored the opener against Derby and set up another goal with his intelligent passing. He will hold the key to Villa’s chances this weekend as well.

8. Conor Hourihane (CM)

He should be in high spirits after scoring from a curling free-kick in the last game.

9. Jonathan Kodija (LM)

The Ivorian fluffed a few good chances in the last outing against Derby but he must aim to do better this weekend.

10. Jack Grealish (CAM)

He is Villa’s indispensable weapon in the attacking third and should be high on confidence after a wonderful display in the previous game.

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11. Tammy Abraham (ST)

The youngster scored a goal against Derby and will be expected to find the back of the net in this fixture as well.