After a defeat to Manchester United, Aston Villa need to bounce back as they welcome Burnley to Villa Park this weekend. Here’s our predicted XI…
It was a night to forget for Aston Villa last time out against Manchester United. Despite going 2-0 up, the Villans succumbed to a 3-2 defeat.
Goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put them in the lead against what had been a poor Red Devils side. This saw Villa go in two to the good at the halftime break.
The game was turned on its head in the second half as an Alejandro Garnacho brace was added to by a Rasmus Hojlund goal. His first in the Premier League.
This collapse was very disappointing, especially given the form shown by Unai Emery’s side so far this season. At the time of writing, the Villans still sit in third place but are holding on to their top four spot by just three points.
Traditionally, Villa have always been poor at Old Trafford but their form at home, this season, has been a different story. They now welcome 19th-place Burnley as they look to get back to winning ways. With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted XI…
Aston Villa Predicted XI
Against Manchester United, Emiliano Martinez was a superb sweeper keeper and had a lot to do in that sense. He couldn’t do much for any of the goals and, according to FotMob, he kept out over one xG on the night. As always, Dibu takes his place in our predicted XI as the goalkeeper.
The backline needs a shakeup as it has been inconsistent in recent weeks. Following his suspension, Matty Cash is available again and could come back in. Ezri Konsa has to be playing at centre-back as it is his primary position and where he is at his best. With Lucas Digne now out, Alex Moreno will come back in to start against the Clarets. In the left centre-back role, if he is fit, Pau Torres has to come back in and start, such is his importance to the Villa squad.
In central midfield, Douglas Luiz will keep his place. Alongside him, once again, has to be Leander Dendoncker after a great performance against United.
In wide midfield, captain, John McGinn has to retake his place. On the other side, Jacob Ramsey has to be dropped after a poor, quiet performance at Old Trafford. Leon Bailey should drop back into midfield after a great showing last time out.
Upfront Ollie Watkins will start once again as he looks to get back on the scoresheet. Alongside him, Moussa Diaby has to retake a place in our predicted XI as he looks to build up his confidence.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Moreno, Bailey, Dendoncker, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Watkins
