Grealish has been in superb form for Villa this season.
Dean Smith’s focus will be on Saturday’s clash against Derby County as he looks to develop some momentum at Aston Villa, after two wins in four games. But he needs to cast one eye to November 25’s outing against Birmingham City.
Villa will be looking to build on their comfortable 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend, by going to Derby and beating Frank Lampard’s side. The Rams are likely to be considered favourites.
The game is the last before November’s international break, before the players return to face bitter rivals Birmingham City on the 25th. Smith has got to pick a side with that local derby in mind.
In doing so, Smith will want his best players available for the Birmingham clash and that may tempt him to drop playmaker and arguably Villa’s best player, Jack Grealish.
The 23-year-old was crucial in the win over Bolton, scoring his first goal of the season and creating James Chester’s goal. He is expected to start against Derby.
But Smith will know full well that Grealish has picked up four yellow cards this season, and is just one away from serving a one-match ban. If he gets carded against Derby, he will miss the hugely important clash against Birmingham.
Dropping Grealish will be a hugely contentious decision, but Smith will be criticised even further if Grealish picks up a booking and is missing for the Birmingham outing.
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