Aston Villa head out on the road for their return to Premier League action after the international break, with a tricky trip to fellow European football chasers Chelsea. Although both sides are a way off the top seven, there is still optimism in both camps of a late push.
This could prove to be a vital clash not just for these two teams but others in the fight, with just four points the difference to Brighton & Hove Albion in seventh. The Seagulls do of course have a couple of games in hand, but a positive result on Saturday would certainly boost hopes.
Last time out, The Villans put on one of their best displays yet in the Unai Emery era, thrashing AFC Bournemouth by three goals to nil. Villa Park was rocking as Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and Emiliano Buendia got on the scoresheet to keep tabs on the Premier League’s top half.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were held to an exciting 2-2 draw against relegation battlers Everton. The Toffees fought back late on to claim a point, inflicting a hammer blow on Graham Potter’s side heading into the fortnight break. The Blues will have had time to regroup, though, so will likely be in good spirits again.
It will no doubt be a very difficult challenge for Villa to face, so we are expecting a very strong lineup to be put out by Emery. With that in mind, here is how we think The Villans’ starting XI will look on Saturday, in a 4-4-2 formation.
9. RM: John McGinn
Undroppable in his current form, the Scotsman moves from defensive midfield back onto his favoured right-hand side with the return of Kamara. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LM: Jacob Ramsey
Got back to his best in the 3-0 victory two weeks ago as he scored a goal and charged at defenders. Emery will be hoping for more of the same at Stamford Bridge. | Getty Images
11. CF: Emiliano Buendia
Another of the scorers in Villa’s last outing, the Argentine has worked effectively just behind the striker. Creates plenty of opportunities. | Getty Images
12. ST: Ollie Watkins
In the form of his life with six goals and one assist in his last eight Premier League games. No one is knocking Watkins out of the XI at current. | Getty Images