Predicted 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa XI to face Middlesbrough
Aston Villa are set to go head to head against third-placed Middlesbrough in matchweek 20 of the 2018-19 EFL Championship, at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
Dean Smith’s side played out a sensational 5-5 draw against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, following which they sit eighth in the Championship table, three points adrift of the play-off zone. A win against the Teessiders this weekend would help them keep the pressure on Forest and Derby County, who occupy the sixth and seventh spots respectively in the standings.
Team News
Veteran defender Alan Hutton is suspended for the game due to accumulation of yellow cards. Villa will also be without the services of Albert Adomah and Henri Lansbury, while Birkir Bjarnason also remains a major doubt.
Here’s how the Midlands’ outfit could take the field against Tony Pulis’ side this weekend;
Manager: Dean Smith
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Orjan Nyland (GK)
Having shipped in five goals in the previous match, the Norwegian international must look to bounce back with a strong display at the Riverside Stadium this weekend.
Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)
With Alan Hutton set to miss out due to suspension, Egyptian international Ahmed Elmohamady should step into the starting lineup at right-back.
Axel Tuanzebe (CB)
The Manchester United loanee had a forgettable night against Nottingham Forest earlier this week and should aim to come back stronger with a commanding display against Boro.
James Chester (CB)
Much like the rest of the defence, the club captain also struggled in the midweek game against the Reds and will be hoping to put that behind heading into the weekend encounter.
Neil Taylor (LB)
The Welshman is the only recognized senior left-back in the Villa squad and should hold on to his spot in the side, despite a shoddy display against Forest last time out.
Anwar El Ghazi (RW)
The on-loan Lille winger made a huge difference coming on from the bench against Nottingham and capped a fine display with a goal. Deserves to be rewarded with a start.
Conor Hourihane (CM)
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Villans and that is unlikely to change for the trip to the Riverside Stadium this weekend.
John McGinn (CM)
Made a swift return from injury to feature against Nottingham earlier in the week and should once again start for Villa on Saturday evening.
Yannick Bolasie (LW)
Making his first start of the season, the on-loan Everton winger impressed on Wednesday night and should be retained in the lineup, with Jonathan Kodjia dropping out.
Jack Grealish (CAM)
The talented Englishman got an assist in the high-scoring draw in the midweek encounter. Should start in the hole behind the striker and look to dictate play.
Tammy Abraham (ST)
The Chelsea loanee was on fire on Wednesday night as he plundered four goals against Nottingham Forest. Certain starter at the top of the attack in the form he is in.
