Sheffield United's next opponents Aston Villa boosted by return of key man

Aston Villa host the Blades in the first match of the top flight’s ‘Project Restart’ and there is a possibility that John McGinn could make an appearance.

It was against United that McGinn played one of his last games – a 2-0 win for Chris Wilder’s side in December – as a week later the Scot fractured his ankle against Southampton.

The break in football due to the Covid-19 pandemic has given the midfielder time to recover and he reportedly made a comeback on Saturday in a friendly.

It has been reported in the Midlands that Villa took on West Brom in a warm-up match which finished 2-2 and McGinn was in the side.

The match is believed to have been played in three 30-minute periods, with McGinn reported to have played in one of those.

Keinan Davis and Jack Grealish scored for Villa in the match.

United also took part in a friendly on Saturday against Huddersfield Town and The Star reported on Sunday that Hull City and Barnsley have also been approached as the Blades ramp-up their preparations for the return to action a week on Wednesday.

The clash at Villa Park will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with a 6pm kick-off. The match is the clubs’ game in hand, due to Villa’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final earlier in the season.

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Thank you. Chris.