Louie Littlewood gives Read Aston Villa his combined Aston Villa and Leicester City side ahead of Sunday’s tie at the King Power stadium.
Formation 5-4-1
Goalkeeper – Kasper Schmeichel
Brad Guzan made this a tough call, because of his key performances at Villa over the last few years, but Kasper Schmeichel is a top goalkeeper and just edged it over Guzan on recent form and his overall commanding performances. Guzan has made a couple of poor mistakes to cost Villa points, unlike Schmeichel.
Right-back – Marc Albrighton
Although Marc Albrighton isn’t a natural right-back, but he has proven himself to be versatile and solid in the Foxes defence. I couldn’t leave the ex-Villa player out of this team. Also, the other right-back options of, Leandro Bacuna, Alan Hutton and Ritchie De Laet are hardly inspiring. Albrighton’s form has been excellent this season, creating three assists in four games and also scoring in the 4-1 victory against Sunderland, he is really showing his attacking ability and is improving each week at Leicester.
Centre-backs – Micah Richard, Robert Huth, and Joleon Lescott
Micah Richards and Robert Huth were a must-have in this side. Their experience and grit determination is unmatchable. Lescott also features as the third centre-back. I think this is an impressive signing for Villa. His experience combined with his leadership skills will complement Richards perfectly.
Left-back – Jordan Amavi
I am excited to see Jordan Amavi play more in a Villa shirt. His statistics show that he is the best performing new signing in the Premier League. Although Leicester’s left-back Jeffrey Schlupp is a fan of mine with his pace and attacking threat, he hasn’t quite shown that this season. I expect Amavi to be a real fan-favourite for the Villans this season.
Right-Winger – Riyad Mahrez
Leicester City’s winger Riyad Mahrez has been a star this season and has driven the Foxes recent form, with his top performances. They will have a huge job on their hands to keep him at the club if he maintains his unbelievable threat to the opposition’s defence, this season.
Jack Grealish was one I was considering at this position, but at such a young age, there is plenty of time for this player to show his true qualities, and I just couldn’t pick him over Mahrez, who you could say is at the peak of his career, at the moment.
Centre-midfielders – Idrissa Gueye and Ashley Westwood
Obviously there are plenty of options who to play here, and even though all of Leicester’s and Villa’s centre midfielders are solid performers for their side, on form, Ashley Westwood and Idrissa Gana Gueye stood out to me. I think these pair can really play off each other in midfield because Westwood is a playmaker and a superb passer of the ball, and Gana looks to have great stamina and also has a defensive side to his game as well.
Left-winger – Scott Sinclair
Scott Sinclair is the reason why I couldn’t pick Albrighton in this position. Both have had an incredible start to the season, but Scott Sinclair has matched his performances for Villa with goals. Sinclair’s goals have been crucial for Villa already this season.
Centre-forward – Jamie Vardy
People may feel like this was an odd choice to pick Jamie Vardy as centre-forward, but with Villa losing their prime forward, Christian Benteke, nobody so far has shown their goal-scoring touch as centre-forward for their side. Vardy works his socks off at Leicester, and with his pace and goal-scoring contribution for his club I think it is a well-deserved place for him in the combined XI.
