OPINION
If it was not for the efforts of Tammy Abraham Aston Villa would have a real problem when it comes to scoring goals – as evidenced in their 0-0 draw with Reading last weekend.
The Villans’ star striker had something of an off day against the Royals and no one among his teammates was able to step up and shoulder the responsibility of putting the ball into the back of the net, meaning Dean Smith and his men had to settle for one point instead of three in their hunt for a play off finish.
Up next for Villa are a high flying Sheffield United side, the Blades sitting fourth in the table under Chris Wilder, who have had no trouble finding the back of the net of late, having only failed to score twice in the league since the start of December.
As such, Smith needs to not only find a way to make sure his side are firing up one end of the pitch but to make sure they keep the visitors quiet on Friday night – which is why he must take a double gamble following a training ground update.
Revealing how those missing due to injury were progressing on their official Twitter account, the Villans stated that James Chester, perhaps the best centre back at the club, has a 50/50 chance to play, while 20-year-old winger Andre Green, who has five second tier outings to his name this season, has been passed fit to play.
The boss provides an injury update ahead of tomorrow night's clash with Sheffield United ??
Press conference replay ? https://t.co/CE3uQd1fz3#PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/anyWP0bA1D
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 7, 2019
Green is an explosive wide man with plenty of talent and at his age should have no fears about taking on Sheffield United despite their place in the table.
Ahmed El Ghazi has hardly warranted keeping his place in the side while Albert Adomah has also struggled and while it might be a risk throwing a youngster in, he could provide the cutting edge necessary.
At the other end of the pitch, Chester is an absolute must if they want to stifle the Blades’ forward threat, Tommy Elphick hardly up to the standards required despite his clean sheet against Reading.
His fitness concerns mean a start is a gamble but one Smith must take if he wants to give his side the best chance of sinking the visitors and snatching a vital three points from someone the Villans hope will be a playoff rival come the end of the season.