We preview Steve Bruce’s predicted line up, as Aston Villa are expected to bring Jordan Amavi back into the first team.
The Championship has proven to be a cruel place for Aston Villa so far this season, compounded by a lack of consistency with results and in team selection.
Having settled after his appointment, Villa manager Steve Bruce will be aiming to establish a core set of players in his first-choice XI and will be hoping to build upon his first win in charge against Reading in midweek, as his Villa side prepare to face former club and local rivals Birmingham City in a huge game next weekend.
Injuries to defenders Micah Richards and Tommy Elphick, in addition to the recently disappointing form of Aly Cissokho, means that the Villa boss will yet again re-shuffle his back line for the visit of Fulham on Saturday.
Alan Hutton will remain Richards’ replacement at right-back, whilst the continued absence of club captain Elphick will see Nathan Baker keep his spot in the line-up.
For this weekend’s game Bruce is expected to revert to a 4-4-2 system, incorporating the forward threat of Jordan Ayew on the left side in preference to Leandro Bacuna.
Albert Adomah is expected to keep his place on the other flank, with the midfield completed by central pair Gary Gardner and the recently under-fire Mile Jedinak.
The other main changes in Villa’s XI for their Championship clash against pass-masters Fulham could be recalls for French left-back Jordan Amavi and possibly the return of former Craven Cottage favourite Ross McCormack, who was a substitute in Villa’s victory over Reading. This would mean Rudy Gestede dropping to the bench alongside Bacuna.
Aston Villa predicted line-up: Pierluigi Gollini, Alan Hutton, James Chester, Nathan Baker, Jordan Amavi, Albert Adomah, Gary Gardner, Mile Jedinak, Jordan Ayew, Ross McCormack, Jonathan Kodjia
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
