Aston Villa will look to extend their historic run of home wins as they welcome Sheffield United to Villa Park. Here is our predicted XI...
It has been a special run of home wins for Aston Villa. In recent weeks they have beaten a club record and will have their sights set on breaking more records.
With Sheffield United rocking up to Villa Park this week, Unai Emery and his side can be confident of extending their run. Despite them being a struggling side, they can not be taken as an easy game, that is for sure.
This week, Chris Wilder has opened up with praise for Villa but clearly backs his players to go and cause an upset.
With all that being said, let’s take a look at our Aston Villa predicted XI for their clash against Sheffield United…
Aston Villa Predicted XI
In goal, you know the drill by now, Emi Martinez will line up in between the sticks at Villa Park once again. Although he had a moment of madness against Brentford, he still made some top-class saves which helped Villa win.
The backline will see a shake-up due to the injury to Pau Torres. The centre-back partnership to make our predicted XI is Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet. Although there have been lots of rumours revolving around the Frenchman, this is his perfect Premier League opportunity. Carlos has been great in recent weeks, none more so than against Arsenal and so he will keep his place.
In the full-back roles, Lucas Digne will reprise his role at left-back despite Alex Moreno’s goal and overall performance last time out. The Spaniard is coming off the back of a long-term injury and needs to rest up. On the other side, Ezri Konsa will maintain his place at right back such has been his form while playing there.
The midfield three will welcome back Douglas Luiz following him missing Brentford due to suspension. Alongside him, with Boubacar Kamara out for three games, Leander Dendoncker will come in for a rare start.
Either side of that pair, John McGinn will keep his place and it is a flip of a coin between Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey. The Englishman was positive upon his starting return last time out, getting a 7.3 SofaScore. Given the Jamaican wideman’s form, however, he has to come back in to start against the Blades.
Up front, Ollie Watkins will once again reprise his role as Villa’s star striker. With nine goals he will be keen to add his tenth to his tally. Alongside him, Jhon Duran could be deserving of a start but in our predicted XI we’ve opted for Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman needs to play and build up his confidence and refind his once electric form.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne, Bailey, Luiz, Dendoncker, McGinn, Watkins, Diaby
