Aston Villa fans here in the Tavern are anxious ahead of today’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a win putting them back in the hunt for an automatic promotion place.
The Villains have been in superb form of late with only one defeat in their last 11 Championship matches, as Villa now find themselves only four points off Cardiff City in the race for automatic promotion. Although, Steve Bruce’s side welcome Wolves to Villa Park today in a promotion crunch match, with many of our local residents hoping for a win in what will prove to be a rather fiery encounter.
However, the Aston Villa chief does have some important decisions to make prior to today’s all-important fixture, as he’ll look to field a team that he believes can overcome the challenges of the league leaders. Indeed, this would surely mean chopping and changing the side like Bruce has done in recent weeks, with some players still yet to impress in the claret and blue.
Therefore, with many of our locals calling today’s encounter the biggest game in their entire season, here’s a look at TWO players that Steve Bruce cannot start against Wolverhampton Wanderers…
Scott Hogan
The former Brentford striker has picked up the pace this season with eight goals to his name thus far, but just hasn’t been able to produce the prolific goalscoring figures that Villa would have liked.
And, Scott Hogan struggled in their 3-0 win over Sunderland on Tuesday evening, after blowing a few chances and did plenty of selfless running down the flanks in what was an ordinary performance from the 25-year-old.
Therefore, with the league leaders up next at Villa Park in today’s Championship fixture, bringing the impressive Jack Grealish into the starting line-up would cause Wolves all sorts of problems.
Josh Onomah
The on loan Tottenham midfielder has struggled to come to grips with Championship football, as Bruce continues to use the Englishman as a squad rotation player with 11 bench appearances to his name.
Indeed, the 20-year-old was left as an unused substitute in their last outing at the Stadium of Light after starting against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, as he continues to fall down the pecking order due to the lack of impact he’s had on proceedings so far this season.
Therefore, the Villa chief cannot look to bring him into the starting line-up against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Albert Adomah posing more of a threat in the wide areas.
