Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw against Preston on Tuesday night at Villa Park.
If we’re being honest, it was a poor performance from the Villa players on Tuesday evening and they will be aware that if they continue to play like that, then it will be extremely difficult to clinch the final automatic promotion spot.
In fact, due to the fact they have only picked up one point in their last two matches, they are now already four points behind Cardiff City, who occupy the final automatic qualification spot.
Villa now move on to play Sheffield Wednesday at the Hillsborough stadium on Saturday afternoon, and it is a match that the Villa fans will be expecting to pick up all three points.
However, they will likely have to do it without Grealish and Adomah, who have been two of Villa’s most important players over the last few weeks. They have been missed in the last two matches, and Villa fans will be hoping that their absence isn’t as hard felt on Saturday afternoon.
Here is our predicted Villa XI for Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.
GK: Sam Johnstone
As usual, Johnstone will be one of the first names on Bruce’s teamsheet.
RB: Axel Tuanzebe
Has acquitted himself well in the last few matches, and we reckon Bruce will give him another start at right back.
CB: John Terry
Let’s be honest, there’s no way that Bruce will even consider on starting Terry on Saturday.
CB: James Chester
Chester has been consistently solid throughout the season and there’s no way Bruce will drop him if he’s fit to play.
LB: Alan Hutton
Like Chester, he has been consistently solid this season and we don’t see him getting dropped any time soon.
RM: Robert Snodgrass
Has been ill the last few days, but if he’s feeling better, we expect him to be starting.
CM: Mile Jedinak
Bruce will be hoping that he can provide the defence with some extra cover should they need it.
CM: Birkir Bjarnason
Since coming back into favour, Bjarnason has put some solid shifts in. We reckon he will be given a starting position on Saturday too.
CM: Henri Lansbury
Hourihane has been dreadful as of late, so we reckon Bruce will give Lansbury, who is fit again, a chance to shine.
LM: Lewis Grabban
Came on at half time against Preston and looked very lively. Therefore, we reckon that Bruce will give him a start against Sheffield Wednesday.
ST: Scott Hogan
Davis played well when he came on against preston, but he is a doubt for Saturday as he twisted his ankle. Therefore, we reckon Hogan will start again.