Aston Villa are in Premier League action for the first time in 2024 as they take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. Unai Emery's men will be refreshed after two weeks away from English top-tier action, albeit with the 1-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough sandwiched in between.
Second in the table and 11 points clear of seventh-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the Villans are in an extremely strong position as they look to secure European football for a second season running. Emery still insists his side are behind seven other teams in the fight for continental action but the reality is very different.
Villa will be keen to continue their momentum heading into the new calendar year but it will be tricky to start well as Everton are a decent side. The Toffees are above the relegation zone on goal difference alone but would be right up in 12th if it wasn't for the 10-point deduction they were painfully dealt a couple of months ago.
Sean Dyche is doing a brilliant job of keeping the confidence high despite it being a turbulent time at Goodison. Emery will be very aware of that and will be drilling into his players about the potential of complacency this weekend.
Villa are buoyed as Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans have been in full training for several days. Although unlikely to start, having the duo secured in the matchday squad will make things easier. Without further ado, here's the starting XI we reckon Villa will go with against Everton.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez, who started at Middlesbrough despite the change of competition, is at no risk of ever losing his place in the Premier League.
2. RB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa appears to be the preferred option at right-back, ahead of Cash who has been a little inconsistent this season.
3. CB - Diego Carlos
The Brazilian took a while to get going at the start of the campaign but really impressed throughout December.
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet will probably start again with Emery unlikely to risk £32m summer signing Pau, who has been in full training but only for a matter of days.