Team news: What shape are Aston Villa in ahead of Sheffield United clash

Villa have been without one of their key men since December and he could be ready to play a big part in their push for Premier League survival.

John McGinn hasn’t played a full game since the Blades beat Villa 2-0 at Bramall Lane before Christmas. A week later he was carried off against Southampton after suffering an ankle injury.

Now, though, the Scot appears to be fit and raring to go, providing Dean Smith’s side with a huge lift ahead of tomorrow night’s match at Villa Park.

And aside from the long-term loss of Tom Heaton and Wesley, Smith doesn’t have too many injury worries to contend with.

"John McGinn has been a big boost for us on the training ground. He's back and played (in fiendlies) against West Brom and Leicester," said Smith.

"It's big to have John back. The rest of the lads have done conditioning work and we've had a few niggles, but nothing to concern us."

United and Villa kick off the Premier League at 6pm tomorrow night in the first competitive match in England since the shutdown, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic back in mid-March.

This is their game in hand after Villa’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final earlier in the season.

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Thank you. Chris.