OPINION
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith would be wise to bring outcast midfielder Mile Jedinak back into the starting line up against Sheffield United on Friday night.
The 6ft 1in Australian international (Source: Transfermarkt) came off the bench against Reading on Saturday, suggesting the forgotten man is working his way into the plans of Smith after 17 Championship games without an appearance, and would be able to offer more defensively against the Blades’ exciting attack than Glenn Whelan, who should drop out.
Neil Taylor also deserves to miss this game. Tyrone Mings excelled against the Royals at centre back, but is also able to play at left back, and should shift across to make space for the returning James Chester at centre half. Anwar El Ghazi must also drop to the bench, with Jonathan Kodjia a third change which needs to be made.
This is a massive game for Smith and his players, and the manager needs to get his team selection right. Three changes should be enough for Villa to pull off a shock result against Chris Wilder’s team.
Lovre Kalinic has been mostly solid in goal since his January arrival and deserves to start once again here. Alan Hutton is the obvious choice at right back and will surely continue at Villa Park.
As mentioned, Mings should move to left back, making way for captain Chester to come in and partner the impressive Tommy Elphick in the heart of the Villans’ defence.
Jedinak should anchor the midfield with his defensive capabilities, while Conor Hourihane and John McGinn need to operate slightly ahead of him.
Albert Adomah and Kodjia deserve to operate on the wings, with El Ghazi missing out, and Abraham absolutely has to lead the line for Smith’s side.