Glenn Whelan could be axed for Aston Villa’s clash against Birmingham at St Andrew’s on Sunday, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claims that John McGinn is available for selection after missing the 4-0 win over Derby through suspension, and if Dean Smith decides to recall him to his starting line-up, then Whelan, 35, is the most likely player to be dropped.
Whelan has been in impressive form for Villa lately, starting and finishing all of their last four Championship fixtures.
OPINION
Should Smith make any changes to his midfielder for the game against Birmingham? Villa hammered Derby last week to earn their first win since January 26, and as the saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. However McGinn has been one of Villa’s stand-out players this season. The midfield maestro is one of the best players in the Championship at what he does and leaving him on the bench for the Second City derby could be a huge mistake by Smith if Blues win. Whelan does deserve to start though after playing so well in his recent outings. The former Stoke midfielder has a lot of experience and that could help in a big game against Birmingham. McGinn just has the quality though and he is able to do something spectacular. It’s a tough decision for Smith to have and if it goes wrong for Villa at St Andrew’s, then fans will point to his team selection as where the issues started.