Aston Villa host Sheffield Utd in the Premier League on Friday night, and here’s how Unai Emery’s starting line-up looks for the encounter.
As confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the Villa boss is without Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans due to injury, while Boubacar Kamara misses out due to suspension.
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In turn, changes were expected for this clash, as Villa look to not only register a 16th consecutive home league win, but also temporarily at least move top of the Premier League table.
The focus though will be on our opposition and getting three points in this game, and despite those enforced changes, Emery has still managed to name a strong Villa starting XI, as per the club’s tweet below.
Clement Lenglet comes in for Torres in a like-for-like swap, while Lucas Digne returns from suspension and replaces Alex Moreno at left-back in a key double change at the back.
Matty Cash returns to the right-back role with Ezri Konsa completing the backline in front of Emiliano Martinez, while there are more changes in midfield.
In come Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey after they return from suspension and injury respectively to start, while John McGinn will continue in a more central role with Kamara out, as Jacob Ramsey will play on the left side.
Up top, Ollie Watkins will lead the line as usual for Villa with Moussa Diaby providing support in the final third, and although we do have absentees due to injury this week, there is a strong bench too with the likes of Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Moreno and others ready to come on and make an impact if needed.
It promises to be a difficult night as the visitors will likely make it tough for us to break them down, but it’s hoped that we’ve got the right balance in the side with pace, creativity and a clinical edge to get the job done and secure three more important points.
Representing Aston Villa tonight! 👊 pic.twitter.com/OdwZ2RwU9m
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 22, 2023