Aston Villa’s lengthy winning streak was ended on Saturday afternoon, with Steve Bruce’s side coming unstuck at Craven Cottage against Fulham, who blew the race for automatic promotion wide open.  

Bruce’s side headed to London on a seven-match winning streak, but saw that run ended by Fulham, who picked up three points thanks to a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.

That defeat saw Villa slide out of the automatic promotion places, with Cardiff City leapfrogging Bruce’s side in the race for the top-two.

However, Villa are presented with an opportunity to turn things around this week against Preston North End, with Bruce’s side back at Villa Park tomorrow evening for a clash with Alex Neil’s play-off chasing side.

Preston are going in search of play-off football and will hand Villa another stern test, particularly with injuries mounting up against Bruce’s side.

Here at FLW, we take a look at the starting XI Bruce might select tomorrow evening…

Johnstone is almost certain to continue for Villa this week.

The goalkeeper’s consistency has been key this season.

Switching across to right-back to replace the injured Ahmed Elmohamady.

Despite Saturday’s defeat, Villa’s back-four have been superb this season, there will be no change to Bruce’s centre-back pairing.

Like Chester, Terry should retain his place in the starting XI.

The £4.5m-rated left-back returns for Villa this week, with Taylor coming into the XI to replace Elmohamady.

Jedinak didn’t show his best at Fulham, but is likely to be given another opportunity to impress with injuries working against Villa.

Tuanzebe certainly did enough against Fulham to retain his place in the starting XI.

With Jack Grealish and Albert Adomah still struggling, there is a lot of pressure on Snodgrass to perform.

Villa need him this week.

Tasked with playing further forward in Grealish’s absence.

Villa need something big from Hourihane if they are to pick up three points.

Bjarnason might be forced to play out on the left, with Adomah unlikely to be fit.

Lewis Grabban is knocking on the door of Bruce’s first-team, however, Hogan should continue.