[long_read]

Aston Villa resume their Championship challenge this weekend when they host Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park.

Dean Smith’s side will be aiming to consolidate their place in the play-offs having moved into the top-six after an impressive 3-0 win over promotion rivals Middlesbrough.

A four-match winning run has aided their hopes of extending their season as Villa look to make a return to the Premier League at the third attempt.

This weekend sees a tricky fixture by way of Tony Mowbray’s outfit who have little to play for during the rest of the campaign – other than pride.

Anything less than a win for Villa could see them slip out of the play-off places so soon after moving into them.

And to keep the pressure on the sides below them, three points is imperative.

If the club is to achieve just that, then this is the XI Smith needs to field tomorrow afternoon.

[snack_break title="GK: Jed Steer"]

Impressive since his return to the team in place of Lovre Kalinic, Steer will once again be between the sticks.

[snack_break title="RB: Ahmed Elmohamady"]

Playing at right-back during the positive run rewarding for the Egyptian who should feature tomorrow.

[snack_break title="CB: Kortney Hause"]

The warrior from Wolves is earning plenty of plaudits from around the EFL and will have his talents on show once more tomorrow.

[snack_break title="CB: Tyrone Mings"]

The loan partner at the back with Hause, Mings has also been ridiculously impressive since moving to Villa Park.

[snack_break title="LB: Neil Taylor"]

Taylor does a job and does it will – consistent as ever and performing well at the moment.

[snack_break title="RM: Anwar El Ghazi"]

El Ghazi has seen his form spike in recent weeks and Smith will be hoping that can continue.

[snack_break title=" CM: John McGinn "]

Impressive last time out against Middlesbrough, he will be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend.

[snack_break title=" CM: Glenn Whelan "]

A storming display for the Republic of Ireland during the week, there is hope that form can be taken into the home clash with Blackburn.

[snack_break title="LM: Albert Adomah"]

With his future up in the air, Smith could well call upon Adomah to give Villa extra width.

[snack_break title="CAM: Jack Grealish"]

The mercurial attacker has been the catalyst to Villa’s upturn in form. And he will be hoping to lead the team to a fifth successive win.

[snack_break title="ST: Tammy Abraham"]

The Chelsea loanee has been at his best when Grealish has been in the side, but form has dipped as of late – there is every expectation it will pick up again, starting Saturday against Blackburn.

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