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Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup to take on Manchester City in the Premier League, with a decision made for Morgan Rogers.
Villa have the opportunity to leapfrog Man City in the Premier League standings as they play host to the champions this Saturday lunchtime.
This weekend’s home supporters will be hoping for some déjà vu from last December as the Villans beat Pep Guardiola’s side by one goal to nil in the same fixture in 2023/24. That was a particularly memorable week as Villa saw off Arsenal - also at Villa Park - by the same scoreline within a matter of days.
Unai Emery’s men head into this clash in mixed form having lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest following three wins in a row against Brentford, Southampton and RB Leipzig. Last weekend’s defeat was mightily disappointing as Forest scored in the 88th and 94th minutes to complete a dramatic turnaround.
A better, more complete performance will be required this weekend if Villa are to get any sort of positive result as City, despite their rough start to the season, remain title contenders. Guardiola will be determined to get revenge for last campaign’s result and ramp up the pressure on the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Morgan Rogers has looked increasingly jaded over recent weeks but Unai Emery will be reluctant to bench him for such an important fixture.Morgan Rogers has looked increasingly jaded over recent weeks but Unai Emery will be reluctant to bench him for such an important fixture.
Morgan Rogers has looked increasingly jaded over recent weeks but Unai Emery will be reluctant to bench him for such an important fixture. | Getty Images
Emery is likely to start as strong of a lineup as possible this weekend but there could be the odd adjustment based on fitness. There’s a dilemma up front between Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, while Amadou Onana’s return from injury could mean a switch around in the centre of the park.
With all of that in mind, here’s the Villa XI we reckon will take on City.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Man City
GK - Emi Martinez
The World Cup winner made one of the best saves you’ll ever see last 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 - Diego Carlos
The Brazilian had a decent game despite the late capitulation at Forest. He’s been hot and cold this season but probably deserves to keep his place.
CB - Pau Torres
Important for his build-up play from the back, Pau often thrives against top oppositions. Emery will be hoping for a strong showing.
LB - Lucas Digne
The Frenchman remains ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order and will continue to start most games. There will only occasionally be rotation.
RM - John McGinn
The skipper is fighting to keep his place in the side with so many spaces up for grabs. Leon Bailey being back complicates things, but McGinn stays for now.
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 - Amadou Onana
Having two physical powerhouses alongside one another could be beneficial in what’s likely to be a testing midfield battle against the champions.
LM - Morgan Rogers
Almost just as effective on the left as he is through the centre, Rogers enjoys tucking in and taking on defenders to kick-start attacks.
CAM - Youri Tielemans
Starting just in behind the striker could benefit Tielemans in what would be a relatively new role. The Belgian played there last season and performed well.
ST - Ollie Watkins
It feels harsh to bench Jhon Duran after another goal but the Colombian’s first half away at Forest wasn’t the best. Watkins will also start most of the time when fit, you’d imagine.
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