Aston Villa face Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and here’s how Unai Emery’s starting line-up looks.
Villa are without Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne for this encounter due to suspension, and so in come Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno to fill those voids as they make their first starts in the league this season.
READ MORE: Villa ace provides update as he continues hard work in injury recovery
That in turn sees John McGinn shift inside to a more central midfield role alongside Boubacar Kamara, where we’ll hopefully see him impose himself and control the game to maintain our balance and structure.
Elsewhere, Matty Cash and Moussa Diaby come in for Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans, but there is a boost on the bench as Bailey has been passed fit to make the squad after he was considered a doubt during the week.
Given his impact so far this season, he’ll potentially be an important option in the latter stages if needed, but there is disappointment with Tielemans unavailable and it’s hoped that he won’t be sidelined for too long.
Teenage goalkeeper Sam Proctor is also named on the bench given Robin Olsen remains sidelined, and so he’ll hopefully gain a lot from the experience with the senior squad.
Emiliano Martinez returns to the Villa XI after being rested in Europe in midweek, with Ezri Konsa moved across to right-back as Diego Carlos comes back in to partner Pau Torres in the heart of the backline.
Up top, Ollie Watkins will continue to lead the line, and so hopefully despite the changes, we’ll be able to continue our fine form and pick up a positive result in what will be another difficult test on the road as we try to solidify our position in the top four in the standings.
Representing Aston Villa today! 👊 pic.twitter.com/8yE48CBchH
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 17, 2023
