Ahead of their important clash with Derby County at Villa Park, Aston Villa have confirmed their starting eleven – and the majority of fans are very happy.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has been making no secret of the fact that fan favourite Jack Grealish was set to return in today’s game – and that was probably exciting enough for Villa fans.
But, not only has their excitement been buoyed by the confirmed return of the boyhood Villa fan, but the fact that he has been named as captain and will be leading the side out in front of the Villa Park faithful.
Team news…@JackGrealish1 starts for the first time since December, and captains #AVFC for the first time. 👊#PartOfThePride pic.twitter.com/eO1sPbfrpn
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 2, 2019
Grealish has been on the sidelines through a shin injury since mid-December, missing 13 league games in the process. Since his injury, Villa have won just two Championship games and seen their hopes of achieving a top-six finish take a big hit.
However, with Grealish back in the side, Dean Smith and Villa fans will be hoping he can help turnaround their poor form.
Smith has also made the decision to stick with Jed Steer in between the sticks for today’s game ahead of Croatian ‘keeper Lovre Kalinic. Kalinic was benched against Stoke after picking up a head injury against West Brom and misses out on the starting eleven again today.
Tom Carroll makes his way onto the bench after missing the last four games and could make his home debut for the club, while John McGinn misses out through suspension. Henri Lansbury remains out meaning that Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane start as the holding midfielders.
Judging by reactions on Twitter, Aston Villa fans are happy with the team news and over the moon to see that Grealish will be leading Dean Smith’s side out against Derby County this afternoon.
Great choice putting @JackGrealish1 as Captain. We need passion and leadership. Someone who will lead from the front and not be afraid to shout. Top call Dean.
— Ste Morris (@Stemorris1976) March 2, 2019
Grealish as captain, what an honour for him. Grew up Villa and now leads the team out at Villa Park, living every Villa fans dream. Personally think it’s a good decision, adds something to what could have been a flat game. Come on you Villa boys! #AVFC https://t.co/zdxrb63iRh
— Reece 🦁 (@Reece_AV) March 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/MaddoxAVFC/status/1101847110364872704
Might just be me, but why is Grealish starting & why is he captain, mystery injury & only trained for a week!? #AVFC
— Lee Hartford (@LHartford83) March 2, 2019
Great to see Jack as captain but very strange to see Steer remain in goal with Kalanic on the bench.
— 723OJ (@723OJ) March 2, 2019
My man jed still in between the sticks like he should have been all season
— Liam Sadler (@LiamSadler_27) March 2, 2019
Steer keeping his place is a big statement. Personally think he might be our best keeper.
— Joel (@JSheldon23) March 2, 2019
