John McGinn to start in midfield? – Predicted 4-1-4-1 Aston Villa XI to face Hull City

Predicted Aston Villa XI to face Hull City in the Championship

Aston Villa suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic away from home in the Championship last week and the Lions will be looking to get things back on track when they play host to Hull City on Saturday.

Five points adrift of Derby County for the final promotion playoff spot, Dean Smith’s men have had a pathetic time over the festive period, managing to win only one of their last eight games in all competitions.

Hull City are currently on a purple patch, having won each of their last six fixtures in the Championship and the Tigers will be looking to take advantage of Villa’s poor run of form.

Team News

Dean Smith will be looking to shore up his leaky defence which has leaked six goals in the last couple of games. Jack Grealish (shin), Axel Tuanzebe (toe) and Orjan Nyland (Achilles tendon) are all ruled out for the weekend clash while Henri Lansbury and Jonathan Kodija are highly unlikely to play a part.

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Manager: Dean Smith

Predicted XI

1. Lovre Kalinic (GK)

The Croatian made a couple of really good saves in the 3-0 defeat against Wigan and he will need more help from his defenders this weekend.

2. Alan Hutton (RB)

James Bree had a pathetic outing against Wigan last week and Smith should turn towards Hutton for this one.

3. James Chester (CB)

Just like the rest of the defenders, he had a torrid time last week and gave the ball away far too easily. Villa will need him to rise to the occasion against Hull City.

4. Kortney Hause (CB)

The Wolves loanee replaced Tommy Elphick in the last game and should start this one.

5. Neil Taylor (LB)

He had a shocking outing against Wigan and was probably the worst of the defenders but Smith hasn’t got too many options.

6. Birkir Bjarnason (CDM)

The Icelandic international tried to shore up the midfield in the last game but lacked quality on the ball and Villa will need him to raise his game on Saturday.

7. Anwar El Ghazi (RW)

He didn’t make much of an impact last week but Smith should hand him another opportunity as he can be a handful for the opposition with his pace and skills.

8. Conor Hourihane (CM)

The Irishman has had a decent season so far but he was exceptionally poor last week with his passing and set-pieces.

9. John McGinn (CM)

The Scotsman was arguably Villa’s brightest spark in the 3-0 humiliation last week and he will be expected to continue his good run of form.

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10. Yannick Bolasie (LW)

Just like El Ghazi, he was largely anonymous last week but he will be expected to retain his place in the line-up for this one.

11. Tammy Abraham (ST)

The Chelsea loanee lacked the service to make things happen against Wigan and he has every reason to expect better service from his midfielders this week.