Roberto Di Matteo seeks his second win in charge of Aston Villa as Nottingham Forest travel to Villa Park in a Sky Bet Championship fixture.
Lineup conundrums shroud Villa this weekend as Forest visit Villa Park on Sunday. Roberto Di Matteo must assess a rash of injuries, make a decision on a number one goalkeeper, and mix in new signings into the squad. Busy times await as the international break is over and the weekday fixtures become more prevalent.
With that being said, here is how both sides could line-up.
PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI (4-2-3-1): Gollini; Amavi, Chester, Elphick, De Laet; Westwood, Tshibola; Grealish, McCormack, Adomah; Kodjia
SUBS: Bunn, Baker, Cissokho, Gardner, Bacuna, Ayew, Gestede
Lots to dissect here starting with Pierluigi Gollini. He’s a player of unquestionable quality, but his mistakes have cost Aston Villa dire points this season. I think he gets the nod, but Di Matteo could opt for the more experienced Mark Bunn.
The back-line that leaked three disastrous goals against Bristol City remains unchanged. Di Matteo could once again opt for a switch. but these four players remain Villa’s best choice at each position; so for the time being, they retain their spots.
Mile Jedinak faces a late fitness test in order to participate. He was injured while on international duty with Australia in the United Arab Emirates. For the sake of simplicity, I assumed he would be unavailable. Ashley Westwood and the return of Aaron Tshibola will man the double pivot midfield for Aston Villa.
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Deadline day signings Albert Adomah and Jonathan Kodjia will likely feature somewhere in the eighteen, but the question remains where? Adomah may go from the beginning on the right wing considering he is an upgrade over Jordan Ayew and Leandro Bacuna in that position. In this formation, record signing Kodjia leads the line with Ross McCormack playing deeper in order to better facilitate final third product.
PROJECTED NOTTINGHAM FOREST XI (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Lichaj, Mancienne, Perquis, Hildeberto; Kasami, Grant; Osborn, Lansbury, Licá; Vellios
The back-line for Nottingham Forest remains mostly intact with the twenty-year old Hildeberto Pereira impressing at right fullback. The versatile Portuguese player is on loan from Benfica, where he’s been asked to play all over the pitch.
According to reports, a trio of important Forest players will be unavailable this weekend. Midfielder Chris Cohen, new signing Nicklas “Lord” Bendtner, and star forward Britt Assombalonga all set to miss out.
No Bendtner, Assombalonga, Cohen for #nffc at #avfc on Sunday through injury #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/8ToD2P7FMe
— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) September 9, 2016
A big boost for Villa as Forest do not possess the same quality of depth in their squad–expect the home team to come out fast in order to dictate their style of play. Nottingham Forest currently lie in 7th place with an impressive nine points picked up this campaign.
Kickoff is slated for 8:15AM Eastern Standard Time, on Sunday, September the 11th at Villa Park. The match is televised on Sky Sports 1 so tune in!
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