Aston Villa return to action in the Premier League on Saturday as Unai Emery’s side welcome Nottingham Forest to Villa Park in the bid to rebuild their home form.
Aston Villa will be keen to restore their stellar form at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday after losing late to Manchester United in the last fixture at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side found a way back into the top four after losing to the Red Devils thanks to an away win against Fulham last time out.
Now, the Villans will look to build their form in the Premier League as the race for a Champions League spot heats up with just 13 games to go in the 2023/24 calendar.
It would be a remarkable feat for the Midlands club to claim 4th place after suffering a ruthless amount of injuries this term, that being said, Emery could have a debate over selection this weekend.
Here’s our predicted lineup ahead of Aston Villa’s battle with Nottingham Forest…
Aston Villa predicted line up to face Nottingham Forest
Emiliano Martinez
There’s little explanation needed when it comes to who will start between the sticks for Villa on Saturday, with the world’s number one Emi Martinez undoubtedly the club’s first pick.
That being said, the Argentine will seek some redemption against Forest after his error at the City Ground back in November.
Lucas Digne
The key debate for Emery to have ahead of the fixture is who to start at left back now that Lucas Digne is fully fit after recovering from injury.
Alex Moreno has impressed in providing cover for the 30-year-old, however, the Frenchman could have a narrow advantage in reclaiming his spot in the starting XI based on his performances for the Villans pre-injury.
Pau Torres
After making his return against Fulham, Pau Torres earned a host of praise for his performance, showing fans what they had missed in his absence.
Clement Lenglet
Alongside Pau will be Clement Lenglet, not only because Emery has no other centre-backs to choose from, but also because the Barcelona loanee impressed at Craven Cottage last week.
Matty Cash
It’s always a special occasion for Matty Cash when coming up against his former club, with the Poland international undoubtedly the manager’s first pick at right-back after a solid display last time out.
Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz is arguably the first name on Emery’s teamsheet due to his reliability in midfield.
In the absence of Boubacar Kamara, the Brazilian’s role has become even more vital in maintaining the balance in the engine room.
John McGinn
To partner Luiz is skipper John McGinn who was heavily praised by the boss after his performance against Fulham.
The Scotland international showed his versatility by stepping into midfield to cover for Kamara, giving Emery one less thing to worry about on the injury front.
Leon Bailey
Not scoring or assisting in two games could be classed as a crisis for Leon Bailey, who has been in sublime form this season.
The Jamaican offers Villa a continual threat down the right side and will hope to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Jacob Ramsey
Jacob Ramsey is likely to retain his spot in the lineup as he edges closer to getting back to his best after returning from injury.
Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans has made the false nine position his own in support of Ollie Watkins, showcasing the blossoming relationship between the two forwards.
Ollie Watkins
Of course, Ollie Watkins will lead the line after his brace against Fulham.
The Englishman is only seven goals away from becoming the first player in the Premier League era to hit the 20-goal milestone for Villa, a record he will hope to move closer towards this weekend.
Full Aston Villa predicted XI (4-4-2): Martinez; Digne, Torres, Lenglet, Cash; Ramsey, McGinn, Luiz, Bailey; Tielemans, Watkins
