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Unai Emery may have to make do without Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Villans are back in Premier League action this Saturday evening as they take on this season’s surprise package, Nottingham Forest, at the City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, in fifth and proving to be this campaign’s dark horses for European qualification, are level on points with Villa but with a one better goal difference. Each team has won seven, drawn four and lost four so far but Villa have been more open defensively.
Last term’s trip to the City Ground ended in a crushing 2-0 defeat, so Emery knows all too well just how tricky the atmosphere can be. The manager is bound to pick a strong lineup as a result, though he may have to go without Watkins as the striker picked up a minor injury in the 3-2 win at RB Leipzig midweek.
Ollie Watkins is a minor doubt for Aston Villa away at Nottingham Forest.Ollie Watkins is a minor doubt for Aston Villa away at Nottingham Forest.
Ollie Watkins is a minor doubt for Aston Villa away at Nottingham Forest. | Getty Images
With that dilemma in mind, here’s the starting XI we think Emery will name this Saturday.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest
GK - Emi Martinez
The World Cup winner made a rare error midweek but we’ll be desperate to put things right this weekend. Martinez is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.
RB - Ezri Konsa
Handy in both right-sided defensive roles with Villa lacking depth in that area, Konsa is likely remain at full-back for the time being.
CB - Tyrone Mings
So strong in the win over Southampton, Mings deserves another start soon. With Forest quite a physical opposition, this could be the time to try this new partnership.
CB - Pau Torres
Much better midweek after a few below par performances, Pau will be eager to string together good displays on a more consistent basis.
LB - Lucas Digne
The Frenchman remains ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order and will continue to start most games. There will occasionally be rotation.
RM - Matty Cash
CM - Boubacar Kamara
It’s so good to have Kamara back as he’s vitally important to this Villa team with his break-up play and ability to kick-start counter-attacks with his power.
CM - Youri Tielemans
The Belgium international has operated superbly in the double pivot so far this term, performing a seven or eight out of 10 no matter the result.
LM - John McGinn
On the back of a goal in the Champions League in this role, super John McGinn will be raring to go again. The skipper always run his socks off.
CAM - Morgan Rogers
Without an away goal since the trip to Spurs at the beginning of November, Rogers will be keen to give the travelling support something to cheer.
ST - Jhon Duran
The Duran dilemma has been ongoing for a while but the Colombian deserves another Premier League start. Ollie Watkins was taken off with a “small injury” against RB Leizpig, too, so it wouldn’t make sense to risk him.
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