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Aston Villa can go into the play-offs by making a statement this weekend. They take on already promoted Norwich, who will secure the Championship title if they avoid defeat.
The Villans can’t better their position in the table and, as a result, will either face Leeds or West Brom for a place in the play-off final.
Sitting in fifth, they are four points behind the Baggies but also five clear of Derby, who currently occupy sixth place.
Villa have very little to play for, therefore, but it’s unlikely Dean Smith will want to rotate too much. His side are on a 12 game unbeaten run and would be in danger of flattening their momentum if they make a host of changes. Last time out, they drew 1-1 with Leeds in a highly controversial affair.
And from that match, we’re expecting them to make two changes.
The main absentee from this side is John McGinn who, after racking up a 14th yellow card of the campaign against Leeds, would be in danger of missing the entirety of the play-offs if he were to claim a 15th.
With that in mind, Villa look set to rest him ahead of the clash with the Canaries. That means Glenn Whelan comes into our predicted XI.
One man who will feature, though, is Anwar El Ghazi. The Dutchman was at the centre of a spat with Patrick Bamford last weekend but had his red card rescinded after the Leeds forward had deceived the officials.
Tammy Abraham is back in training following injury but it’s unlikely his manager will risk him. As such, Jonathan Kodjia will retain his place in the side. The Ivorian has overcome injury himself after going off at Elland Road.
James Chester and Kortney Hause are also both back following a spell on the sidelines but they are hugely unlikely to be in the matchday squad.
Villa’s second change comes in the form of Albert Adomah. Andre Green impressed against Leeds but our predicted XI pits the former to start at right wing.
