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Predicting Aston Villa’s lineup to take on Brighton & Hove Albion away in the Premier League.
Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a pivotal trip to fellow European hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion.
Unai Emery’s side travel to the American Express Stadium buoyant following Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Preston North End but the clash with the Seagulls is set to be much tougher.
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Brighton, in seventh, are currently two points ahead of Villa after 29 matches and are unbeaten in their last five Premier League outings. Only Liverpool can match the form of Fabian Hurzeler’s side over that period, with 13 points acquired out of the last 15 available.
Villa have a good record against the Seagulls, though, with just two defeats suffered in the last 11 Premier League meetings. The Villans have won six of those - including the 6-1 romping at Villa Park last season - and drawn the other three.
Emery, prioritising the Premier League over the FA Cup and Champions League, is likely to name a very strong team to give Villa the best chance of ending Albion’s hot streak.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brighton
Without further ado, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name at the Amex.
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GK - Emi Martinez: The two-time Yashin Trophy winner has kept clean sheets in three of his last four Villa matches, a huge improvement from the months before.
RB - Axel Disasi: Rested over the international break and at the weekend due to being cup-tied, Disasi could be tasked with filling in at right-back. He did so well against Brentford’s wingers last month.
CB - Ezri Konsa: Ever so reliable for Villa throughout much of this season, Konsa very rarely puts on a poor performance. His versatility has been so important.
CB - Pau Torres: It feels harsh to bench Tyrone Mings but Pau is now back from injury and needs to come back in at some point. It feels like he’s now had long enough to recover fitness.
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LB - Lucas Digne: It’s not been easy for Ian Maatsen to watch on but Digne, who notched two assists at Deepdale, has earned his status as the lead left-back. The competition is fierce.
CM - Boubacar Kamara: Fully up to speed now and a starter against Preston last time out, Kamara simply has to start when available. He’s been superb.
CM - Youri Tielemans: Thriving in the double pivot just as much as he was as a number 10, Tielemans has played more minutes than any other Villa player this season.
RM - Morgan Rogers: Enjoying a new role out on the right flank since Asensio’s arrival, Rogers deservedly made his first England start during the international break.
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LM - Marcus Rashford: Fresh off the back of two goals against Preston, Rashford is full of confidence. It’s controversial to drop Jacob Ramsey in such good form but somebody has to take the hit.
CAM - Marco Asensio: In incredible form with seven goals in his opening nine Villa appearances, Asensio deserves to start in the number 10 position.
ST - Ollie Watkins: It seems Watkins is ready to return to the starting XI following his injury, shifting Rashford back to the left wing spot as mentioned.