Hourihane and McGinn to continue in midfield? – Predicted 4-14-1 Aston Villa XI to face Leeds United

Predicted Aston Villa XI to face Leeds United in the Championship

Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Stoke City in the Championship last week and the Lions will be up against it when they play host to table-toppers Leeds United this weekend.

Dean Smith’s side have drawn their last two games and they will need to turn their fortunes around to keep within striking distance of a promotion playoff spot.

Leeds climbed up to the top of the standings with a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers last week and the Peacocks will once again be the outright favourites to claim all three points.

Team News

Jack Grealish is ruled out with a shin injury while Albert Adomah (ankle), Birkir Bjarnason (groin), Henri Lansbury (hamstring), Neil Taylor (hamstring) are doubtful to feature this weekend against Leeds.

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Manager: Dean Smith

Predicted XI

1. Orjan Nyland (GK)

He made some good saves in the last game but he has been a bit inconsistent between the sticks.

2. Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)

The Egyptian had a poor outing in the last game against Stoke and gave away a penalty but Smith will be expected to hand him another start to cover for the absence of Neil Taylor.

3. Axel Tuanzebe (CB)

He had a decent game last week and should be amongst the starters for this one as well.

4. James Chester (CB)

He struggled with his positioning and awareness against Stoke but managed to clear his lines to safety.

5. Alan Hutton (LB)

He didn’t look very comfortable playing on the left-hand side of the defence but Smith hardly has any choice in the absence of Taylor.

6. Glenn Whelan (CDM)

The Irish veteran put in a disciplined performance against Stoke in the absence of Jack Grealish and should get another start.

7. Anwar El Ghazi (RW)

He struggled to get into the game last week and Villa will need him to be more proactive this time around against Leeds.

8. Conor Hourihane (CM)

He struggled in an advanced role but caused problems from set pieces in the last game.

9. John McGinn (CM)

He was the pick of the midfielders in the last game and won the ball back to initiate the attacks.

10. Yannick Bolasie (LW)

The Everton loanee had a decent game and troubled the defenders with his powerful runs before setting up Kodija for a goal last week.

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11. Tammy Abraham (ST)

The youngster has flourished at Villa Park this season and the Lions will bank on him once again this week to deliver the goods.