Aston Villa are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they play host to Everton for the first home competitive outing of the 2023/24 season.
Unai Emery and his men will be desperate to put right their wrongs after a dismal 5-1 defeat at Newcastle United on the opening weekend.
It wasn’t a bad performance to start with but a defensive capitulation following Tyrone Mings’ stretchering off the field caused for quite the trashing in Tyneside.
Nonetheless, home supporters are ready to cheer on their side at Villa Park for the first time since the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in June.
Emery is always very appreciative of the claret and blue army of fans watching on and knows how crucial it can be in earning positive results on the pitch.
Everton, just like the Villans, suffered defeat on their first outing of the new campaign as Fulham won 1-0 at Goodison Park. The Toffees did impress, though, with 19 shots and nine on target.
Despite being relegation battlers last season, Sean Dyche’s side are most certainly a threat and Emery will be aware of that.
With that in mind, flick through the pages for the Villa starting lineup we think will be selected on Sunday, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Not even conceding five goals can revoke Martinez’s place in the starting XI; he’s secure. | Getty Images
2. RB - Matty Cash
Keeps his place in the team with Emery having to change things elsewhere in the back line following Mings’ injury. | Getty Images
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Starts at centre back rather than right-back. Needs to put on a better showing after last week’s mistakes. | Getty Images
4. CB - Diego Carlos
Comes in for a first start in a long time to replace Mings. Has had a few weeks to get up to fitness. | Getty Images for Premier League