Aston Villa host Brighton in the early Saturday kick-off, and Unai Emery has decisions to make on his starting line-up for the encounter.
After our disappointing defeat to Everton in the Carabao Cup in midweek, changes are certainly expected as we go with our strongest possible XI, and so a number of key figures will return.
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However, such was the frustration with the performance, a response will be needed from all to produce an improved effort, as that was arguably Villa’s worst display since Emery arrived.
Despite going with a strong line-up on Wednesday, there will still be several changes for this one, starting with the return of Emiliano Martinez in between the posts, at the expense of Robin Olsen.
Question marks were again raised over the Swedish international during the week given his poor distribution, but Martinez will undoubtedly make an important difference in organising the backline and producing quality when needed.
In defence, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will likely keep their places, with Lucas Digne restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the first half against Everton.
Diego Carlos is hopefully pushing to return and he may well replace Cash with Konsa shifting across to right-back, but at this stage, it’s unclear if the Brazilian centre-half is fit enough to start following his latest spell on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, John McGinn should go back to a more familiar role on the right of our midfield, particularly with Leon Bailey ruled out after limping off last time out, while Boubacar Kamara will come back in and re-join Douglas Luiz in the heart of the side.
Such has been the impressive nature of his impact thus far, Nicolo Zaniolo is expected to get the nod again and play on the left, while Ollie Watkins will replace Jhon Duran to lead the line, with Moussa Diaby providing support behind him.
Given Alex Moreno is not yet ready to return, as per Emery in his pre-match press conference, coupled with Jacob Ramsey facing a late fitness test and unlikely to be risked beyond the bench initially, our options are still limited.
Particularly with several individuals not doing enough with their chance in midweek, Emery will likely go back to his tried and trusted options, and we’ll hopefully produce a much better performance, and in turn pick up three crucial points to bounce back and continue our impressive league form to start the campaign.
Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Brighton: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Zaniolo; Diaby, Watkins.
Agree with the XI above, or would you make changes?
