3. Don’t rely on Super Jack
This has been Jack Grealish’s breakthrough season in many ways. Although there are still those who think he needs to add more goals to his game, there can be no doubt that his return from injury coincided with our fine run of form post-Christmas. And you do feel there is more to come from the young man.
But there is so much at stake over the next (hopefully) three matches that everyone needs to come to the party. As I’ve said, we don’t have much to worry about defensively (nor in goal), so it’s now up to the forward players to shine. Because of the pace in Boro’s game, I’d be a bit more inclined to play Bjarnason (if fit) or Whelan ahead of Mile Jedinak (especially away from home), but we also need Hourihane, Snodgrass and Adomah to step up to the plate.
On current form, I’d be more inclined to leave Adomah on the bench and start Grabban wide left with Kodjia through the middle, but maybe the added spice of playing his old club will help Uncle Albert recapture his form and he can add to his 14 goals?
But the main thing is not to rely too much on Grealish. Boro will have him targeted as our key player, so we need our senior players to give them plenty more to think about. On our day, we are more than a match for anyone in the Championship. If we set out on Saturday believing that and playing like we know we can, Wembley will almost be beyond doubt.
I think Bruce’s preferred first team picks itself, but much will depend on whether he feels Adomah can find his form when it matters. If so, we’ll look something like this:
Johnstone, Elmohamady, Chester, Terry, Hutton, Whelan/Bjarnason, Hourihane, Snodgrass, Adomah, Grealish, Grabban.
which I feel gives us a better defensive shape for an away tie (although Grabban does do some excellent work defensively). But as I mentioned, I’d be inclined to push Grabban wide and slot in Kodjia up the middle because I feel that offers us much more going forward, and we have just looked better all round when set up that way. We should fear nobody – we should play our best side and not worry too much about the others.
This is it boys – the final push. The stated aim of promotion is still on, but it’s time to show how much we really want it.
It’s time for the lion to roar again.
Passion. Pride. Purpose. It’s on the screens at Villa Park before every match. Let’s hope the players have been watching.
