Aston Villa made it 4 wins out of 5 last Saturday when they beat promotion-chasing side Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at home.
This decent run of form has seen Villa climb up to 12th in the table – they are now a comfortable 10 points above relegation and 14 points off of the 6th and final play-off place. As a result, it is probably safe to say that they are going to finish somewhere around mid-table this season.
Villa will be looking to make it 5 wins from 6, and moving on up the table when they take on Wigan at the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Wigan currently sit in 23rd place with 34 points – 5 points off of safety. With villa’s form, and Wigan’s lowly positioning, this is a game that most Villa fans will be expecting a positive result from. However, with Wigan fighting for their lives and with Villa having an array of injuries, it will definitely be a tricky game.
GK: Sam Johnstone
With each passing game Johnstone is looking more and more assured between the sticks. With 4 clean sheets in the last 5 games, his confidence will be high. Definite starter for this one.
RB: James Bree
Although Hutton is back from injury, we reckon that Bree, who had a decent game last week, will start this one.
CB: James Chester
What a season the Villa captain has had – he has been one of the best defenders in the league. He will definitely be starting this one.
CB: Tommy Elphick
With Nathan Baker most likely missing through injury, it is highly likely that Bruce will start with a CB pairing of Chester and Elphick.
LB: Neil Taylor
Is getting better and better with each passing game, and is a much better defender than Amavi. He should definitely start against Wigan on Saturday.
RM: Albert Adomah
Alan Hutton played on the right wing for most of the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, but we reckon Adomah will be chosen for this match.
CDM: Mile Jedinak
Has become one of Villa’s most important players and he should definitely start when available. His presence gives the defenders more confidence and allows Villa’s more attacking players to push forward without worrying about leaving gaps behind them.
CM: Conor Hourihane
Had a slow start to his Villa career, but he is now improving with each passing game. To add to this, he is quickly becoming a fan favourite. Would be a surprise to not see him starting on Saturday.
CM: Gary Gardner
With Lansbury suffering from a heel injury, we reckon Gardner will be called in to deputize for this match.
LM: Jordan Amavi
Andre Green is reportedly fit again, but we reckon that Bruce won’t rush him back into the starting XI. Amavi has been linking up well with Taylor, and can swing in a decent cross.
ST: Jonathan Kodjia
Without his 15 goals this season, Villa would be languishing in the dreaded relegation zone. One of Villa’s most important players, and one of the first names on the team sheet.