Ollie Watkins injury decision made as Unai Emery starts 'reliable' 31yo - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Everton

Aston Villa return to Premier League action as they play host to Everton on Saturday evening.

The Villans are back from the international break, keen to add further points to their tally following a strong start to the 2024/25 season. Unai Emery’s men have claimed six points out of nine so far, earned with away victories at West Ham United and Leicester City.

The sole visit to Villa Park ended in defeat as title challengers Arsenal were clinical to win 2-0, but that can soon be forgotten if Everton are brushed aside. It’s arguably the best time to face the Toffees as they are devoid of confidence on the back of three successive losses to Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Bournemouth.

Villa will be licking their lips looking at Everton’s opening results as Sean Dyche’s side have conceded 10 goals over that period. Ollie Watkins, yet to score this term, will be eager to end his short drought while the likes of Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey will seek to net their first goals of the campaign.

Emery has a few selection dilemmas to consider, particularly at right-back and right midfield. Kosta Nedeljkovic and Lamare Bogarde have shared the minutes at full-back since Matty Cash injured his hamstring, so it’ll be interesting to see who gets the nod this time around. Leon Bailey, meanwhile, is a major doubt with a similar issue.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Everton

With several big dilemmas considered, here’s the Villa starting XI we predict will take on the Toffees.

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez is without doubt the first-choice goalkeeper – and still arguably the world’s number one, despite his recent squad number change to the meaningful 23.

RB - Lamare Bogarde

Bogarde stepped in at right-back at Leicester and had a decent game. Kosta Nedeljkovic, an £8 million winter signing, is likely to deputise while Matty Cash is out.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa hobbled off during international duty with England but interim manager Lee Carsley said he was fine. He should start this weekend as a result.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau, one of last year’s marquee additions, will be delighted he decided to take the plunge and move to Villa. The Spaniard fits Emery’s system like a glove.

LB - Lucas Digne

Digne, mister reliable after proving Emery wrong, is the safe choice at left-back. £37.5 million signing Ian Maatsen’s time will come, but seemingly not right away. 

RM - John McGinn

The skipper is likely to move across to right midfield with Leon Bailey sidelined with a hamstring injury set to keep him out for a game or two. McGinn was utilised in an array of roles last term.

CM - Amadou Onana

Onana, who cost £50 million from Everton, has settled in very well in a short period of time. He’s bound to start every league game this season, as long as he stays fit.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans has proven to work well in the double pivot, especially when he’s got freedom to roam a little. His international counterpart Onana faciliates just that.

LM - Jacob Ramsey

Ramsey has a big season ahead with the full backing from Emery. Bailey’s hamstring issue opens a starting slot against Everton.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

Filling in just behind Watkins, the winter signing has progressed quicker than anyone could’ve expected. Emi Buendía will compete but it’s Rogers’ place to lose.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins has been inhibited by a knock so far this term but the withdrawal from the international break has been used to build sharpness. He should be fine to start.