Aston Villa are in Premier League action for the final time in 2023 as they take on relegation battlers Burnley on Saturday afternoon. Unai Emery's side head into the clash with a point to prove on the back of two games without a win, while the Clarets will be desperate to close the gap to 17th-placed Everton.
Villa blew a 2-0 lead away at Manchester United last time out, losing 3-2 at Old Trafford following an impressive Red Devils turnaround. Before that, it was a frustrating 1-1 draw against Sheffield United as Cameron Archer and Nicolo Zaniolo struck late to deny Emery a first-ever English top-flight 0-0 stalemate.
The Villans, even despite a couple of disappointing results, are still just three points off leaders Liverpool and one below Arsenal. A win would secure a top-three spot heading into the New Year – a feat very few of the Villa Park faithful would have dreamed of 12 or so months ago.
Emery has a few selection dilemmas this weekend as Boubacar Kamara is still suspended, Lucas Digne has picked up an injury, and Pau Torres remains a doubt. With that in mind, Birmingham World has put together a predicted XI. Here's a full run-through.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez keeps on proving week after week why he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. There’s no threat for his place in the team.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Cash is well-rested as he had Boxing Day off through suspension. He could come in with a change elsewhere in defence.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
The switch we’ve alluded to, Konsa could move across as a lacking Diego Carlos had a game to forget at Old Trafford and might be dropped in response.
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet has played in Pau’s place for the last two fixtures and it’s likely he’ll do so again. Pau remains a doubt as he’s still not 100% following a minor injury.