Morgan Rogers benched as Unai Emery braves defensive rearrangement - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Southampton

Villa will be eager to make it two home victories out of two within the space of four days as they face the Saints at Villa Park this Saturday.

The Villans ended their eight-game winless stretch with a dominant 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday. It wasn’t the most convincing of performances in the second half but goalscorers Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash were ruthless in the first period.

It won’t be as straightforward as just picking the same starting XI again, however, as the fixture congestion is ramping up approaching Christmas, with Tuesday’s tough Champions League away trip to RB Leipzig on the horizon.

Emery is not one to disrespect an opposition by rotating heavily but, given this is the most favourable fixture in a very busy run, this could be the time to bench Rogers. Granted, the attacking midfielder scored a belter against Brentford, but he’s in need of a rest.

There’s a dilemma in defence, too, after Tyrone Mings impressed midweek. It’s difficult to keep Pau Torres on the bench, so Emery might have to rearrange his defence to ensure both can start.

With all of those points in mind, here’s the Villa XI we predict will face Southampton.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Southampton

GK - Emi Martinez

Martinez bravely played through a hairline fracture to one of his fingers against Brentford and he kept a clean sheet. There’s no doubt he’ll play again after that.

RB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa could shift across to right-back if Emery opts for the centre-back pairing of Pau and Mings.

CB - Tyrone Mings

Mings was exceptional on his return to Premier League action and doesn’t deserve to lose his place.

CB - Pau Torres

It’d be bold to partner Pau with Mings as they’re both left footed but Emery has hinted at such a change.

LB - Lucas Digne

The Frenchman remains the preferred left-back and he will probably continue to be despite Ian Maatsen’s occasional positive cameos off the bench.

RM - Matty Cash

Cash scored his first goal of the season last time out and he’s often performed well when called upon in the more advanced right midfield role.

CM - Boubacar Kamara

Kamara struggled a little against Chelsea but he looked back near his best in the win over Brentford. Amadou Onana remains a doubt.

CM - Youri Tielemans

The Belgium international has operated superbly in the double pivot so far this term, often a seven or eight out of 10 no matter the result.

LM - John McGinn

The skipper struggled in the central attacking midfield position on Wednesday, so he could perhaps drop a little deeper to get more involved.

ST - Jhon Duran

Duran didn’t score against Brentford but he looked a huge threat and will inevitably get a start during this busy period. Emi Buendia is another option to fill in for Rogers.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins returned to the scoresheet midweek, his seventh Premier League goal of the season. He’ll be eager to add to his tally.