Aston Villa predicted starting line-up vs West Ham United as brave McGinn decision made

A big game awaits Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard on Sunday afternoon as they go in search of just their second Premier Legue win of the season.

By Ben Ramsdale

Published 26th Aug 2022, 14:22 BST

Aston Villa return to Premier League action at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon with bottom of the table West Ham United the visitors.

The claret and blue go into the game off the back of a 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers in midweek and will look to build on that as they search for their second league win of the season.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park

Aside from Diego Carlos who suffered a ruptured achilles injury versus Everton, Steven Gerrard will have a full squad of players to choose from ahead of the game.

It poses a headache for the former Liverpool captain who has struggled to name a settled eleven during his tenure in the West Midlands and with results not quite going Villa’s way in the league, it’s a decision he needs to get right.

Here’s the starting line-up that BirminghamWorld feel he may go with to take three points off the Hammers, including a surprising omission of the current captain.

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Came as a surprise to many that Robin Olsen wasn’t given a run out versus Bolton but either way, Martinez remains number one.

RB - Matty Cash

Cash was one of the few starters that didn’t get on the field in the Carabao Cup, will return to the eleven here.

CB - Tyrone Mings

Has returned to the eleven in recent weeks following the injury to Carlos.

Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa battles with Dion Charles of Bolton Wanderers during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa

Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa battles with Dion Charles of Bolton Wanderers during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa

CB - Calum Chambers

Partnered Mings in the victory at Bolton and think he will keep his place here.

LB - Lucas Digne

Scored in midweek which should give him a bit of confidence going into the league games.

CDM - Boubacar Kamara

The anchor in the middle of the park, a definite starter.

CM - Jacob Ramsey

Only played 20 minutes midweek but can see him coming back into the starting picture here.

CM - Douglas Luiz

Scored that ridiculous goal straight from a corner versus Bolton and has been impressive when given the chance this season.

Declan John of Bolton Wanderers competes for the ball with Leon Bailey of Aston Villa during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa

Declan John of Bolton Wanderers competes for the ball with Leon Bailey of Aston Villa during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa

RW - Leon Bailey

Only played the final 20 minutes midweek but scored a beautiful solo goal. Has looked one of Villa’s more dangerous players throughout pre-season and in the early stages of the season.

ST - Danny Ings

A goal and assist in the Cup means it would be incredibly harsh to see him dropped. Probably more of a threat than Watkins but wouldn’t surprise to see either get the nod.

LW - Emi Buendia

Like Bailey, wasn’t on the pitch long on Tuesday night but provided the assist for the Jamican late on. Both offering far, far more than Philippe Coutinho.

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