According to the Birmingham Mail, Alan Hutton or Ritchie De Laet are set to replace Neil Taylor in Aston Villa’s starting XI this evening when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

Steve Bruce has named the same eleven for Villa’s last four fixtures, which have brought four victories, but will be forced into a change today, with Taylor suspended.

Taylor was dismissed in Villa’s last victory before the international break, seeing red late in the 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park.

With the Welshman set to serve a suspension, and no other recognised left-back in his squad, Bruce will turn to either Hutton or De Laet to step in out of position, with Ahmed Elmohamady expected to continue at right-back.

Villa enter this weekend’s round of fixtures in seventh, with their recent good run of form lifting them to within a single point of the Championship’s play-off places.

Despite their recent run of good results, Villa will head to Molineux as underdogs, with Wolves continuing to shine in the Championship this season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit second, but will have a chance to move to the top of the Championship table this evening after Cardiff City’s defeat at Birmingham City last night.

The Verdict  

It would have been no surprise to see James Bree handed an opportunity at left-back this evening, but with Villa heading into a huge game, it is understandable why Hutton or De Laet will get the nod.

Hutton and De Laet are both experienced defenders, which will be key for Villa at a lively Molineux.

Bruce will be regretting his decision not to sign cover for Taylor over the summer, and that will surely be something he looks to address in January.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!

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