January signing duo axed in Bruce 3-5-2: Aston Villa best possible XI to face Ipswich
COMMENT by Amir Mir
Aston Villa should make three changes to their starting XI when they welcome Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich to the Midlands on Saturday afternoon.
January signing duo Sam Johnstone and midfielder Birkir Bjanarson should be axed with Jack Grealish serving a suspension.
As a result, goalkeeper Mark Bunn, left-back Neil Taylor and the defensive minded midfielder Mile Jedinak should be their replacements.
Villa lost their previous encounter 2-1 when they were beaten 2-1 at Championship strugglers Nottingham Forest.
Shot-stopper Johnstone made a costly error during that match, his second mistake in as many games, therefore, Bruce must take him out of the firing line.
Icelandic international Bjarnason played in a left wing-back role against Forest with Taylor missing out due to illness.
Now, the Wales international should be given his debut by Bruce with James Bree occupying the right side.
Bruce should stick with the same back three that started the previous match as continuous rotation at the back will not help improve Villa’s current poor form.
Jedinak should sit in front of the front three, with Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane providing the service and creativity from the middle of the park.
All of this will aid strikers Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan who will be hoping to get on the scoresheet if they are provided with the much-needed service from their attacking players.
In other Aston Villa team news, Scott Hogan delivers verdict ahead of Ipswich clash.
We’ve launched an << EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Aston Villa transfer news