Aston Villa are in away Premier League action for the penultimate time this season as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Villans suffered a confidence blow on Thursday night as Olympiacos ran out 4-2 victors in the first leg of the Europa Conference League, but this is a good opportunity to bounce back. UEFA Champions League qualification could also sensationally be secured this weekend if results go Villa’s way.
Unai Emery’s men can move 10 points clear of Tottenham Hotspur with a win, applying the pressure on Spurs as they head to Anfield for Sunday’s later kick-off. If Villa are victorious at Brighton and Tottenham lose at Liverpool, the top-four finish will mathematically be confirmed.
This weekend’s hosts are in poor form and have very little to play for, perhaps other than a top-half finish. The Seagulls have failed to win any of their last five Premier League outings, most recently losing 3-0 away at AFC Bournemouth.
Knowing so much was at stake ahead of time, Emery made a couple of surprise omissions to his lineup against Olympiacos midweek. With Pau Torres rested and Emiliano Martinez expected back from his minor hamstring injury, Villa could look closer to full strength at Brighton.
With that in mind, here are the 11 players we predict Emery will start at the Amex.
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Martinez should be available to play at the Amex, as confirmed by Emery during Friday’s press conference. It’s touch and go but he simply can’t not start if fit.
2. RB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa could step across to right-back, tasked with dealing with Julio Enciso and Joao Pedro. Matty Cash could start but he’s so hit-and-miss defensively.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
Carlos is likely to earn a spot in the XI if Konsa indeed shifts to full-back. The Brazilian needs to bounce back after a poor cameo against Bournemouth.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Pau was rested on Thursday with this fixture in mind. The Spaniard was really missed against Olympiacos and his returning presence should be felt immediately.