Aston Villa return to Premier League action this Sunday with a highly anticipated Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park. Unai Emery's men will be looking to maintain their impressive momentum and solidify their position within the league's top four.
Villa's Form and Team News
The Villans head into this fixture on the back of a hard-fought 2-1 victory over BSC Young Boys in the Europa League on Thursday night. Goals from Youri Tielemans and the in-form Morgan Rogers secured the crucial three points in Europe. This result followed a significant 2-1 league win away at Leeds United last weekend, where Rogers again starred with a brace.
Currently sitting comfortably in the top four alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, confidence is high within the squad. However, the quick turnaround from Thursday's European fixture means Emery is expected to rotate his starting eleven significantly, with as many as six changes predicted from the side that beat Young Boys.
Predicted Starting Line-Up
Goalkeeper and Defence
In goal, Emi Martinez is an automatic starter. The Argentine goalkeeper, who was subject of transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United in the recent window, remains a vital presence between the posts.
The back four is set for a reshuffle. Matty Cash, who was rested for the European match, is expected to return at right-back, offering fresh energy on the flank. The central defensive partnership of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres is likely to continue. Konsa has enjoyed an eye-catching season for both club and country, while Torres has seamlessly filled the void left by the injured Tyrone Mings. At left-back, Lucas Digne is predicted to reclaim his spot after Ian Maatsen deputised against Young Boys, bringing his experience and dangerous left-footed delivery back into the side.
Midfield and Attack
The midfield engine room should see Youri Tielemans start after he got on the scoresheet in midweek. The Belgian international is now back to full fitness after an earlier injury and is re-establishing himself as a key figure. He is expected to be partnered by Boubacar Kamara, who got the nod against Leeds and is favoured over alternatives Amadou Onana and Lamare Bogarde.
Further forward, John McGinn is a certainty in the side. The Scottish international, fresh from helping his country qualify for the next World Cup and signing a new contract with Villa, will provide drive and leadership from a wide position.
A key decision for Emery lies on the opposite flank. Despite Emi Buendia starting against Leeds, it is anticipated that Donyell Malen will be recalled. The Dutch winger found the net against Young Boys and has been in impressive form, making him a difficult player to leave out.
In the advanced playmaker role, Morgan Rogers is undroppable given his recent contributions. After a slow start to the campaign, the England youth international has well and truly found his feet, causing problems for defences and chipping in with crucial goals. Leading the line will be Ollie Watkins. The striker may not have found his scoring touch recently, but with a lack of alternative options, Emery is set to keep faith with his main centre-forward.
Full Team and Outlook
The predicted Aston Villa line-up in full is: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Kamara; Malen, McGinn; Rogers; Watkins.
This selection shows a blend of restored defensive solidity and attacking intent, as Villa aim to secure another vital three points in their pursuit of a top-four finish. The clash against Wolves promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams look to claim local bragging rights.
