Aston Villa could hand Yannick Bolasie his first start in claret and blue tonight against Preston North End.  

Steve Bruce’s side are looking for a return to winning ways this evening at Villa Park, with the pressure mounting on the manager as results continue to disappoint.

Bolasie could be handed his first start of the season by Bruce tonight, according to a report in the Birmingham Mail, with the local outlet stating that all being well, the Everton loanee will come into the side for either Jonathan Kodjia or Tammy Abraham.

The latter is carrying a knock, so if he doesn’t make it, Bolasie will step in. Although it is thought that if Abraham is fit enough to start, Kodjia will be the man to make way for Bolasie.

The 29-year-old winger arrived as a late signing during the summer, with the winger limited to four substitute appearances so far.

In that time, Bolasie has opened his goalscoring account for Villa, though, with the winger scoring with a header in a 2-0 victory over Rotherham United.

Tonight’s clash with Preston could be a crucial one for Bruce, with national reports claiming that the Villa boss has two fixtures to save his job.

The Verdict  

Bruce doesn’t appear to have much time on his side, so he needs to get tonight’s selection absolutely right.

Bolasie is a dangerous player, so supporters will be encouraged to see him set to start this evening.

There has been too much emphasis on getting Abraham and Kodjia on the field from Bruce, so to hear that one is likely to drop out to accommodate a natural wide player is pleasing.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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