Goalkeepers and defenders

Sam Johnstone (Goalkeeper) – Johnstone should come back in for reserve goalkeeper Jed Steer despite the latter’s penalty save against Colchester, as the Manchester United loanee remains Villa’s undisputed first choice.

Ahmed El-Mohamady (Right-back) – Egypt international should start at right-back this time around after starting on the right of midfield against Hull, to make room on the right of midfield and replace 32-year-old Alan Hutton.

John Terry (Centre-back) – Veteran defender Terry will need to be rested here and there, as he was against Colchester. Fresh after being left out of Wednesday’s side, the former Chelsea captain will surely start at the back.

James Chester (Centre-back) – Last season’s captain Chester must be chose by Bruce at the heart of the defence as he looks to help Villa earn their first clean sheet of the 2017-18 campaign.

Neil Taylor (Left-back) – With Jordan Amavi leaving the club and joining French giants Marseille, Taylor is Villa’s only first-team left-back and he should start against Cardiff which would see him replace Birkir Bjarnason.