Mile Jedinak looks set to replace Glenn Whelan in Aston Villa’s starting XI this weekend, with the latter expected to be unavailable to Steve Bruce due to a calf problem.

A report in the Birmingham Mail has been quoting Bruce discussing Whelan’s injury, with the Villa boss not expecting good news on the 34-year-old, who has been influential for his side recently.

The same report has hinted that Jedinak, who stepped off the bench on the hour last night to replace Whelan, will come into the side when Villa entertain table-toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park this weekend.

Jedinak helped Villa cruise through the final half-an-hour last night, as goals from Lewis Grabban and James Chester put Villa in control, before Bryan Oviedo’s own-goal secured an impressive 3-0 victory.

The Australian international will be expected to put in another big performance if selected on Saturday, as Villa aim to add more pressure on the Championship’s top-two ahead of an eagerly anticipated run-in.

Jedinak has started on just 10 occasions for Villa this season in the Championship, with his last appearance in the starting XI coming in the 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Second City derby last month.

The Verdict

Whelan’s injury is a blow for Villa, as the Irish midfielder has been impressive in their last two outings.

However, Jedinak is more than capable of stepping into Villa’s starting XI against Wolves.

Jedinak hasn’t played much football this season, but with his last start coming almost a month ago, Bruce will be confident that the midfielder has enough in the tank to make an impact on his return.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!