An experimental Aston Villa side were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night thanks to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough.
It was a night where Bruce gave a lot of his fringe players a chance to impress, but it was an opportunity that most of them failed to grab with open hands. They will now most likely have to wait until the FA Cup before they get another opportunity in the first team.
Next up for Villa is a home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, and we’re expecting Bruce to make wholesale changes once again. In fact, we’re expecting a whole new starting XI.
Villa currently sit 13th in the table with 10 points from their opening 8 matches, while Forest are in 10th place, with 12 points from 8 matches.
Here is our predicted Villa starting XI for Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest:
GK: Sam Johnstone
Is Villa’s number one keeper and he will definitely start this match.
RB: Ahmed Elmohamady
De Laet played here on Tuesday night, but we reckon Bruce will revert back to Elmohamady on Saturday.
CB: James Chester
Was given a rest on Tuesday night, so he will definitely be starting this one.
CB: John Terry
As Villa captain, he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
LB: Neil Taylor
Hutton played in this position on Tuesday, but Bruce will definitely go back to Taylor for this one.
RM: Robert Snodgrass
Has had a couple of decent first games for Villa, and they look more threatening when he’s on the field. It’s hard to see him being dropped for Saturday’s match.
CM: Mile Jedinak
Villa are a much better side when Jedinak is playing, so if he’s fit, he’s got to start.
CM: Conor Hourihane
Is one of Villa’s most creative players, so Bruce will be hoping he is able to unlock Forest’s defence.
LM: Albert Adomah
Has been in fine form recently, and it would be surprising to see him not start against Forest.
ST: Keinan Davis
Was brilliant against Barnsley and should be rewarded with another start on Saturday.
ST: Jonathan Kodjia
We reckon Bruce will go with the same partnership up front as he went for against Barnsley.