‘Threadbare’ Villa may struggle against fully fit Irons

Oggy set to continue at central defence

The absence of Villa striker Jonathon Kodija has been described as leaving the team “threadbare” in attacking areas for the clash with the Irons on Monday evening.

Discussing the game in Birmingham Live,  local reporter Ben Husband declares: “His absence leaves Villa threadbare in attacking areas, particularly with Trezeguet’s suspension for Monday night against West Ham.

It leaves Smith (manager)  with Keinan Davis as his only alternative to first choice striker Wesley, as they look for back-to-back home wins.”

Kodija’s absence was finally admitted by manager Dean Smith at his presser today when he declared:  “”The only one who’s now injured is Jonathan Kodjia who’s fractured his cheekbone in a training ground injury.

He just clashed heads with Marvelous Nakamba in a non-competitive part of training. We thought it was OK but they’ve picked up a fracture at the hospital and he’ll have to have an operation on that now and will be out for the next two to three weeks.

The team will also be without midfield Trezuguet – an attacking midfielder – but it’s all good news for the Hammers as they bid to make it four wins on the trot.

The Hammers will surely emerge as favourites for a match which could cement their place in top seven of eight should they take the points and with Trezuguet in particular missing out powerful midfield could have a great night.

Kodjia’s absence too is good news for a defence which, whilst keeping a clean sheet against Norwich, has caused concern on some occasions.

The central defence looks likely to remain unchanged with Angelo Ogbonna partnering Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku continuing at right and left back.