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Aston Villa could be set for a major boost this weekend, with the influential Jack Grealish hoping to feature against Stoke City.

The Express & Star have revealed that he is expected to make the bench at the Bet365 Stadium after missing 12 games through injury.

In that time Dean Smith's men have only won twice and they are now nine points behind the play-off places with those in the top six all having at least one game in hand on Villa.

Despite that, they will feel that a really strong end to the season will give them a chance and Grealish will be key to that.

Another player who is important is top scorer Tammy Abraham.

And, here we look at THREE reasons why he will be delighted to see Grealish back in the XI...

[snack_break title="He can link the play in the final third"]

Grealish is an ideal player for any striker as he will find spaces between the lines and ensure they can stay up top.

At times recently, Abraham has been frustrated without the ball and had to drop deep to get involved.

That won't be the case with the local lad back as he is the link that Smith has clearly been missing in the past two months.

[snack_break title="His inclusion will bring a more attacking style of play"]

As well as that, Grealish's inclusion will make the side more enjoyable to watch and more exciting in the final third as they simply don't have a player like him in the squad.

Smith went with John McGinn and Conor Hourihane in midfield with Glenn Whelan sitting.

Whilst they all have different qualities, none can open up a defence like Grealish or travel with the ball past players as he can.

[snack_break title="He will get more chances"]

Ultimately, that means one thing for Abraham - he will get a lot more chances.

The on-loan Chelsea man is a poacher and has scored all different types of goals but those chances have dried up somewhat recently.

However, Grealish will transform this team in the final third and Abraham will benefit.

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