Predicted XI vs Aston Villa’s Kids
GK: Remi Matthews. After Lee Burge started against Hull, Matthews will be expecting to start in between the sticks as our second-choice ‘keeper.
RWB: Conor McLaughlin. Of course Luke O’Nien is still our starting right wing back but in this low pressure game, Conor may be given the chance to play.
CB: Brandon Taylor. Since getting a few minutes in preseason, Taylor should be hoping to kick on and use this competition to play his way into the first team more regularly.
CB: Morgan Feeney. The new signing seems to be more comfortable in the middle of the three, and in games like this where Bailey Wright will be rested Feeney can hopefully be a more than capable backup.
CB: Arbenit Xhemajli. One of our more recent summer signings will be hoping to build on an impressive trial in preseason and challenge Tom Flanagan for that left centre back spot.
LWB: Jack Diamond. A winger by trade, our lack of depth here could be Diamond’s best chance to find playing time this season.
CM: Grant Leadbitter. The 34-year-old will be asked to help a young and inexperienced side through the game from midfield.
CM: Josh Scowen. Missing from the Hull game, Scowen featured heavily throughout preseason, showing the ability and willingness to do the dirty work. This, next to Leadbitter’s passing range, will be an important asset tonight.
LW: Dan Neil. The teenager has looked like the next breakthrough star in preseason, and in a game against fellow youngsters he will be eager to make an impact.
RW: Lynden Gooch. Another player who was seen a lot in the friendlies but didn’t start against Hull, the American has to impress tonight to keep up with Aiden O’Brien after his promising debut.
ST: Charlie Wyke. Wyke and newest signing Danny Graham are similar style players, and with Wyke’s recent omission from the starting XI, he’ll have to start scoring to avoid dropping to Phil Parkinson’s third choice striker.
