Norwich predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - Premier League

Smith will be eager to win this one
Smith will be eager to win this one / DANIEL LEAL/GettyImages
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Dean Smith will be looking to prove a point to his former employers when his Norwich side host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Smith has had some impact at Carrow Road since replacing Daniel Farke, turning the Canaries from dead certs for relegation into a team with some hope again.

With several injuries at the back to deal with, here is the starting XI he should go for in midweek...


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Marcus Rashford, Ozan Kabak
Kabak was busy last time out / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/GettyImages

Tim Krul (GK) - Krul has picked the ball out the back of his net 32 times already this season - more than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

Max Aarons (RB) - Aarons is yet to miss a league game this season. Don't expect that streak to end on Tuesday.

Jakob Sorensen (CB) - With Grant Hanley injured and Ben Gibson doubtful, Sorensen could be handed a rare start against Villa.

Ozan Kabak (CB) - Once linked with the top clubs in Europe, Kabak will be desperate to avoid a Premier League relegation this season.

Brandon Williams (LB) - Ineligible for the game against his parent club, Manchester United, on Saturday, the tenacious Williams will be restored to the side here.

2. Midfielders

Billy Gilmour
Gilmour is back in the fold at Norwich / Stephen Pond/GettyImages

Lukas Rupp (CM) - Rupp showed a fondness for bursting forward against Man Utd and although an end product was lacking, Smith will likely have been impressed by his positive approach.

Billy Gilmour (CM) - Ostracised under Daniel Farke, Chelsea loanee Gilmour is back in the side under Dean Smith. There is a feeling that there is much more to come from the Scotsman this season.

Kenny McLean (CM) - Fellow Scot McLean has been a near ever-present in the Norwich side this season, though he has not done much of note.

3. Forwards

Teemu Pukki
Pukki will be key to his side's chances / Stephen Pond/GettyImages

Josh Sargent (RF) - No one in the Premier League needs a goal more than this man. He will be absolutely desperate to break his duck on Tuesday.

Teemu Pukki (ST) - The only member of the Norwich squad to score more than once this season. His five strikes have included two penalties.

Todd Cantwell (LF) - Cantwell has come nowhere close matching the levels he found during his maiden Premier League season, failing to register a goal or an assist so far.

You can read 90min's preview of Norwich vs Aston Villa here.

You can read Aston Villa's predicted lineup here.