‘Daring’ defensive change as Unai Emery makes tricky winger call - Aston Villa predicted XI v Fulham - gallery
Here’s the Aston Villa lineup we predict will face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Aston Villa are in Premier League action for the final time before the November international break as Fulham come to town on Sunday afternoon.
Unai Emery's side gained great confidence with a 2-1 comeback win over AZ Alkmaar midweek but the Cottagers will have fresher legs heading into this one.
Fulham are down in 15th but can soar up to as high as 10th with a victory. Marco Silva will put out as full strength of a team as possible to give his team the best chance of earning all three points.
Meanwhile, It's likely the Villans, who can move into the top four with a win, will make a few changes to rotate out some of the more fatigued players while keeping their core intact.
With that in mind, here's the XI we think Emery will name.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
As a recent Yashin award winner, there’s very few in the world who could replace Martinez, let alone anyone in the Villa squad.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Comes back into the XI after being rested for most of the game midweek. Often a danger on the overlap.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Moves across to the centre of defence after 60 minutes or so at right-back against AZ. Diego Carlos, meanwhile, is a doubt through injury.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Undoubtedly the first choice at left centre-half, Pau has taken hardly any time at all to adjust to English football.