Championship: Aston Villa v Fulham
By Paul Connolly
Steve Bruce will again be without an assistant manager when he takes to the dugout on Saturday, when his Aston Villa side host Fulham.
His search for a number two has so far proved fruitless, with Kevin MacDonald stepping into the role on a temporary basis.
MacDonald is expected to join Bruce on the touchline at Villa Park again this weekend before returning to his role with the club’s academy.
The Villains will be looking to build on the midweek away win at Reading, their first win on the road since August 2015.
Forward Jonathan Kodjia heads into the game in form, having netted twice in two appearances. Kodjia had previously gone 11 games without finding the net.
Villa will be without winger Jack Grealish, who serves the second of his three game suspension for violent conduct.
Defenders Micah Richards (knee) and Tommy Elphick (calf) will also both be forced to sit out for the hosts.
Wide man Albert Adomah will face a fitness test ahead of the game after picking up an ankle injury.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic could welcome Tom Cairney back into his squad after missing the 2-2 draw with Norwich in midweek.
Chelsea loanee Tomas Kalás is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury and will miss the trip to the Midlands.
Striker Floyd Ayite remains a doubt with an ankle injury, despite stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury.
Fulham have won just one of their last eight league fixtures, but are the only Championship team to remain unbeaten away from home.
The Whites have lost only once in their last eight league meetings with Villa, with the last clash ending in a 2-1 victory for the visitors.