Aston Villa manager Dean Smith confirms Keinan Davis and Conor Hourihane will play against Wolves

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Dean Smith has dropped some selection hints ahead of Aston Villa’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight.

Aston Villa host Wolves in the EFL Cup fourth round this evening. Ahead of the game, Smith has confirmed that Keinan Davis and Conor Hourihane will start, The Express and Star reports.

Smith has told Aston Villa fans that there will be changes for the cup game. After a taxing game against reigning champions Manchester City last weekend, Aston Villa now have a cup game before the weekend. And the next league game is a tough test against current leaders Liverpool.

Davis and Hourihane are both set for starts. Davis came off the bench at the weekend and looked lively. The 21-year-old’s only goal this season has come in the cup and he will be aiming to show why he should play more often.

Hourihane, on the other hand, might get some more game time now that Jack Grealish has picked up an injury. The Republic of Ireland international was an unused substitute at the weekend but has been used regularly this season.

Smith on selection

Smith told his pre-match press conference (via The Express and Star): “There are players who will need to play against Wolves because it’s a big week playing Man City, Wolves and then Liverpool.

“The lads like Conor (Hourihane) who didn’t play on Saturday will play, Keinan (Davis) will play, so we’ll go with a few changes that’s for sure.”

TBR’s view

Smith is wise to rotate his squad with big games either side of the cup clash. But he needs to give his side the best possible chance of progressing as this is a major silverware opportunity.

Davis has a point to prove and he could benefit against a weakened Wolves defence. Hourihane needs to show why he can step up in Grealish’s absence.