Thanks to their FA Cup exit at the hands of Peterborough, the Aston Villa players had a much needed break this weekend.
December and January are notoriously hectic months in the football calendar, and this time off should have served them well ahead of their big game away to Sheffield United tomorrow evening.
With the Blades sitting in 7th place, just four points below Villa in 5th, this game could go a very long way to deciding who finishes in a play-off position and who finishes agonizingly short.
Sheffield United have been one of the surprise teams of the season, and the Villa players will know that they will have to put in a very good performance if they are to take all three points away from Bramall Lane – and make it five wins in a row.
Here’s our predicted Villa XI for tomorrow’s big game against Sheffield United.
GK: Sam Johnstone
As usual, one of the easiest decisions that Bruce has to make.
RB: Ahmed Elmohamady
With Hutton playing at left back, it’s more than likely that Elmohamady will continue at right back.
CB: James Chester
Has been a beast for Villa in defence this season, and the only way he won’t be starting is if he picks up an injury or illness.
CB: John Terry
As Villa captain, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet!
LB: Alan Hutton
Has been playing well at left back, and we reckon Bruce will give him yet another start.
RM: Robert Snodgrass
Snodgrass has been on fire recently and there’s no way he won’t be starting tomorrow.
CM: Mile Jedinak
If Jedinak is fit again, then he should be starting. If not, then Glenn Whelan will play.
CM: Conor Hourihane
Hourihane has also been in fine form recently, and Bruce will be hoping that he can use his creativity to help see off Sheffield United.
CM: Jack Grealish
He has been great since he returned to the side, and we fully expect him to start on Tuesday evening.
LM: Albert Adomah
He has gone off the boil a tiny bit in recent weeks, but we still reckon that Bruce will start him tomorrow.
ST: Scott Hogan
After having scored 4 goals in his last 3 matches, Hogan’s confidence will be high, and Bruce will be hoping he can continue his fine form on Tuesday.