OPINION
Dean Smith has confirmed that he will have a full outfield squad to choose from ahead of their play-off clash against West Brom and he must use this to bring Tammy Abraham back into the starting line up.
Abraham has been missing since the beginning of April with a shoulder injury but has been given the all clear to return at Villa Park on Saturday.
Before his Thursday press conference, Smith revealed on Aston Villa’s Twitter account that the only injury concern in goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Dean Smith confirms that other than @OrjanHNyland1, he has a fully fit squad to choose from for Saturday's Play-Off semi-final first leg ?
Watch his press conference LIVE from 2pm ? https://t.co/wgCJL2vpYG#ThursdayMotivation #AVFC pic.twitter.com/5gGNqnW9KR
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 9, 2019
Aston Villa had won 10 games in a row before only picking up one point from an available six in their final two fixtures after resting key players in the last game against Norwich.
This will be a huge boost for Smith and Villa, and this situation should be used to re introduce a striker in Tammy Abraham who has scored 25 goals this season whilst on loan from Chelsea.
Abraham has been fancied over Jonathan Kodjia as the man to lead the line in a three up top formation and despite the Ivory Coast international’s recent form, with two goals in three appearances, he must settle for a place on the bench on Saturday.
The play-offs call for your best players and the effect that Abraham has had on his side more than warrants a starting place. The 21-year-old has scored 16 more goals and looks more of a threat to opposing defences throughout matches.
His pace and hold up play allows players like Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane to be introduced into attacking areas and Abraham is the one waiting in the box to finish off any chance.
The opportunity to introduce Abraham is too good not to be acted upon, with a game against rivals West Brom the perfect chance to put faith in the striker that got them into this position.