Aston Villa are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they take on Manchester United at Villa Park. Anticipation has been building as manager Unai Emery and his newly appointed backroom staff prepare to take to the dugout for the first time as Villa recruits.
Emery, who was officially unveiled to supporters and the media on Friday afternoon, has only had a few days to work with his players ahead of the clash. Steven Gerrard’s successor takes over a Villans side currently struggling in 16th position in the league table.
With three defeats in their last five matches, Villa have taken a hit to their confidence over recent weeks and it won’t help to know this weekend’s opposition are on the rise themselves. United have turned things around after two disappointing results at the beginning of the season and are just one point outside the top four.
Wins over the likes of Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have fueled the Red Devils’ ambition for Champions League qualification. Erik ten Hag will likely see the fixture against Villa as an opportunity to further boost those hopes with yet another three points.
The Villans will need to try and find confidence from their 4-0 win over Brentford two weeks ago and forget about last week’s dismal defeat. Emery will likely pick as strong a side as possible for his first game in charge - and with that in mind, here is how we think Villa’s starting 11 will look like, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Should be fine to play after a head injury suffered last weekend, as his concussion protocol period would have been completed. No doubt he is Villa’s number one.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Definitely not been at his best this season but will be hoping to find his former self under a new manager. Wouldn’t do his already low confidence any good by dropping him, either.
3. CB - Tyrone Mings
Has established himself as a key player for Villa, even amid a shaky start to the season. Is likely to retain his place at the centre of defence.
4. CB - Ezri Konsa
Only not started one Premier League match all season, and that was at home to Everton on the second weekend. No reason to change that.