Aston Villa turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend as they take on Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon at Villa Park.
After five tough league games in sixteen days, an illness running through the camp, and a number of injuries to key players, Villa will be glad of the break from the Championship this weekend.
Steve Bruce will take this opportunity to give the majority of his first-team the weekend off after a very busy festive period, which will give some fringe players and youngsters the chance to impress.
Peterborough have been having a very decent season down in League One, but Villa should still be able to beat them comfortably even with a weakened team on the field.
However, with so many options open to him, Bruce, just like us, will have a tricky time deciding who to start, but with no further ado, here is our predicted XI for Villa’s clash with Peterborough:
GK: Jed Steer
This is an easy one for Bruce as Steer is seen as the cup goalkeeper.
RB: James Bree
Was on the bench last weekend, so could get the nod to start this weekend so that Hutton and Elmohamady can have a deserved rest.
CB: Tommy Elphick
Elphick has been outstanding in the last few games, and we think Bruce will give him another start this weekend to ensure his form continues.
CB: John Terry
Terry is fit and itching to play again, so we reckon he will get a start on Saturday afternoon. However, he probably won’t play the whole game.
LB: Neil Taylor
Taylor is likely to return to the starting XI after having missed the last two matches.
RM: Callum O'Hare
Played in the last two cup games and put in some decent performances. We expect him to be starting on Saturday.
CM: Jake Doyle-Hayles
The young Irishman has been playing well for the U23s this season, so we expect an appearance from him on Saturday.
CM: Glenn Whelan
With so much inexperience in the midfield, Bruce will probably decide to play Whelan to add a bit of experience.
CM: Birkir Bjarnason
As a fringe player, we expect Bjarnason to be given the full 90 minutes on Saturday.
LM: Andre Green
With Andre Green finally back fit, he should be starting on the left this weekend.
ST: Rushian Hepburn Murphy
Has looked lively in the last few league games, so deserves a start to show Bruce what he is capable of.