Aston Villa have started their season poorly, but following an eventful transfer deadline day, they now have a chance to build momentum and return to the form they have displayed in recent seasons.
Unai Emery's side are yet to score a goal in their three games so far and after a 0-0 draw with Newcastle on the opening day, have since suffered consecutive defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace, leaving them with major questions to answer.
But a busy deadline day saw new faces arrive and key players stay at the club, the manager must decide what his best team looks like, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expects them to line up going forward when everyone is fit.
Emi Martinez Back Between the Sticks
Emiliano Martinez after being sent off for Aston Villa against Manchester United
One of the stories of the summer out of Villa Park was the future of goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who was left out of the defeat to Crystal Palace as his head was turned by interest from elsewhere. But the Argentine is still at the club, and is still their best goalkeeper, so he will surely come back in as their number one.
The defence is unlikely to see much change either. Matty Cash is still the best right-back Emery has, while Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres are the best centre-backs. But Ian Maatsen is surely pushing an ageing Lucas Digne all the way at left-back, and it's time for the Dutchman to push his way into the starting lineup, leaving £220,000-a-week duo Digne and Tyrone Mings on the bench.
No Room for John McGinn in Midfield
John McGinn applauding the Aston Villa supporters
Club captain John McGinn was another player whose future was questioned this summer, with Everton and Newcastle both showing an interest, but Emery made it clear he wanted to keep the Scot.
However, the additions to the squad this summer mean that his place in the side may not be guaranteed. Boubacar Kamara penned a new contract and is absolutely crucial to the way the manager plays, while Youri Tielemans has established himself as a key cog in the machine with his ability on the ball and leadership qualities.
That also means the likes of Ross Barkley and £140,000-a-week Belgian Amadou Onana must battle for a spot in the side this season.
All-English Attack for Aston Villa After Deadline Day
Morgan Rogers applauding the Aston Villa supporters
After seeing Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio leave the club following their loan spells last season, new attacking reinforcements were needed for Emery.
Evann Guessand arrived before the season, while the club secured deadline day deals for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on loan, with the latter to join permanently in 2026 per an obligation clause in the deal.
While Guessand is unlikely to displace Ollie Watkins as the starting striker, the other two arrivals will expect to play regularly and they could slot in either side of the crown jewel Morgan Rogers in an all-English forward line, leaving £140,000-a-week star Donyell Malen battling for his place once more.
Aston Villa Strongest XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Elliott, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins
Substitutes: Bizot, Garcia, Mings, Digne, Onana, Barkley, McGinn, Malen, Guessand
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