Controversial £37m Aston Villa decision made as Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana injuries assessed

Villa are back in Premier League action on Sunday as they play host to an out-of-sorts Man Utd side at Villa Park.

Emery and his men will be keen to build momentum following Wednesday’s remarkable 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. The Premier League remains the priority and a win this weekend would do Villa the world of good for their aspirations of following in the top four once again.

It’s arguably the perfect time to face Man Utd as Erik ten Hag is under severe pressure, with his job potentially on the line. The Red Devils failed to beat Porto in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, moving the Dutch manager into an even more precarious position than he already was.

If Villa beat United, ten Hag’s fate could be sealed with the sack looming. Emery wouldn’t admit it, of course, but he’ll have noticed the elephant in the room. It’s probably a good thing for the Villans, as they can focus on their own game while the pressure is on the away side.

It’s not all fun and games for Emery, however, as there are a few injury concerns ahead of the United clash. Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey were both forced off against Bayern and are unlikely to start, while Leon Bailey didn’t look anywhere near full sharpness in that game.

Some tinkering might well take place and with that in mind, here’s the lineup we predict Emery will name against United

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Man Utd

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez proved to the world against Bayern Munich that he truly is one of - if notthe- world’s best. There’s no shifting the Argentine out of the lineup.

RB - Matty Cash

Cash was named on the bench midweek and should be fine to make the step to the starting lineup following a few extra days’ training.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa is better in the centre than on the right and Emery’s preference is to play him there. With Cash ready to come back in, this move makes sense.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau, one of last year’s marquee additions, is living up to the high expectations set out before him. The Spaniard is in excellent form.

LB - Ian Maatsen

A little controversial perhaps, but £37 million signing Maatsen’s recent cameos arguably warrant a start. Lucas Digne, meanwhile, could do with a rest.

RM - Jaden Philogene

Philogene played brilliantly against Bayern and he’s likely to start again with Leon Bailey looking a little leggy in that fixture.

CM - Ross Barkley

Barkley could make his first league start of the season as Amadou Onana hobbled off in pain with a hamstring issue on Wednesday. It’s unlikely Onana starts.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans works very well in the double pivot, especially when he’s got freedom to roam a little. He’s been one of Villa’s star men in recent weeks.

LM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers could shift roles, moving into the left midfield position to facilitate a change further up the field. The England Under-21 international has been superb this term.

ST - Jhon Duran

Duran, who is unbelievably averaging a goal every 49.5 minutes this campaign, simply has to start sooner rather than later. With the current injury situation, this could be the time.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins put in another good shift midweek despite not getting on the scoresheet. His movement should cause all sorts of problems for a shaky Man Utd defence.