Dean Smith has a decision to make on who to start between the sticks against Derby County on Saturday. Lovre Kalinic suffered concussion against West Bromwich Albion on February 16 which led to Jed Steer replacing him at half-time. Steer was then given the nod by Smith against Stoke City on February 23 with Kalinic rested as a precaution. The 28-year-old should be fit to face Derby on Saturday, but will Smith make a change?
Statistics from beIN Sport reveal that Steer has made four Championship appearances for Villa this season (315 minutes) while Kalinic has made seven (585 minutes). Steer has conceded four goals (1-per-game/1-per-79 minutes) while Kalinic has shipped 12 (1.7-per-game/1-per-49 minutes). Kalinic has made one clean sheet for Villa, but Steer is yet to shut a side out. Steer has made seven saves (63.6%/2 saves-per-90 minutes) to Kalinic’s 19 (61.3%/2.9 saves-per-90 minutes).
Out of the two goalkeepers, Steer has conceded fewer goals per game for Villa and has a greater shot-to-save ratio. Whether he’ll retain his place in the side against Derby remains to be seen, however. Villa have wanted Kalinic at the club for years, so it’s unlikely the £7m signing will be stuck on the bench if he’s available for selection.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Jack Grealish could replace out-of-form Aston Villa man against Derby
