Aston Villa will host Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday.

Four games. Four wins. One goal conceded. And Aston Villa’s promotion charge, which looked dead and buried only a month ago, is now well and truly back on track.
Dean Smith’s side will host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with the play-off chasers hoping to keep their place in the top-six by securing all three points in front of their own supporters.
For the weekend encounter, Smith could potentially bring back centre-back Axel Tuanzebe, who has been on the sidelines with an injury since December but has returned to training.
If his fitness levels are up to scratch then it would add more balance to Villa’s backline, with Kortney Hause moving back to the left-side of defence and Neil Taylor dropping to the bench.
Other than that, Smith can pick and choose from a plethora of in-form players and other individuals who are raring to prove their worth after being on the sidelines.
Villa should stick with the same front three that beat Middlesbrough last time out, while the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane should also keep their places in the starting XI.
If Smith’s side win at the weekend, and Boro lose at home to leaders Norwich, then the Midlands outfit will move up to fifth in the table.

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