Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Aston Villa team news: Predicted 4-1-4-1 line up to face Bristol City, defensive dilemma
ASTON VILLA host Bristol City on Saturday as they look to win an eighth Championship fixture in succession.
Aston Villa are well on their way to securing a play off place for a second season in a row, having lost in the final to Fulham last year.
Dean Smith’s side are currently just one point above their opponents, Bristol City, but they do have a five-point cushion over seventh-placed Middlesbrough.
Tyrone Mings will serve a one-match ban and won’t be available on Saturday, with James Chester a doubt having just returned to training.
Mile Jedinak could be chosen to fill the void in defence, as Villa look to continue a run of seven straight home victories over City.
In other injury news, Alan Hutton will return after a full week of training but Tommy Elphick remains on the sidelines.
“I felt that with the players we had, the ones coming back and the ones we brought in, that we'd get stronger,” Smith said ahead of Saturday’s clash.
“I think that's there for everyone to see.
“We've got quality players and they're performing.
“I’ve spoken before about the togetherness of this squad, and there's some really tight bonds in it.
“Jack Grealish and John McGinn for example are thick as thieves.
“It's a real tight-knit dressing room who were singing their hearts out after the game on Wednesday.
“Hopefully we can continue the run now.”