After the weekend draw against Derby, fans’ attentions are now fully focused on the playoffs. Our likely opponents will be Middlesbrough barring a dramatic reversal for Boro on the final day.
With the two-legged semi-final scheduled for early next month, a potential starting eleven was suggested for the first game:
https://twitter.com/VillaViews_/status/990517149541289984
This caused a lot of debate on Twitter as to who Steve Bruce should choose to start:
The only spot up for grabs for me is the defensive midfielder role. Whelan jedinak or bjarnasson
— Gavin Eaton (@TheRealCaptin78) April 29, 2018
Kodjia in for adomah, push grabban onto to the left and put kodjia up front, dependent on opposition I’d have bjarnason over whelan, (especially against Fulham), and onomah over hourihane, imo hourihane is a very average player, positioning terrible. >>>
— … (@Mc_Namee_Avfc) April 29, 2018
Kodjia for Adomah. Bjarnason for Hourihane. Hourihane Adomah and Hogan to come off bench.
— John Land (@Johnlegardland) April 29, 2018
Think I would push grabban on to the left and Kodja through the middle.
Depending on who we play poss swap whelan for Thor. Shame we can’t see your bench.. because if Taylor is anywhere near it, and the possibility of him coming on is there that diminishes are chances greatly!— flackie🦁 (@flack1e) April 29, 2018
Jedinak in for Whelan- taller and more physical
— Jimbo 🇬🇧 (@AvfcJimbo) April 29, 2018
Tbh I’d play Jedinak v Boro they very physical n play long throws etc
— Carlton Roberts (@carlton5385) April 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/Scotty_Villa/status/990681797611618304
https://twitter.com/astonvillaeost/status/990609981677465600
https://twitter.com/si237g/status/990594993378164737
https://twitter.com/LongyReturns/status/990579384338862080
Verdict:
There are a few talking points here. Albert Adomah’s poor recent form could allow Jonathan Kodjia to come back in, and for Grabban to be pushed out wide. In the middle there is some debate over Conor Hourihane’s inclusion with Josh Onomah having played in recent games.
Then there’s the debate over Birkir Bjarnason. The Icelandic midfielder has been out with a calf strain, but will likely be back in action for the playoff matches.
Although Glenn Whelan has played very well recently, some are also concerned with Boro’s physicality, and the selection of Mile Jedinak in midfield could be something worth considering.
