Aston Villa can soar to as high as sixth in the Premier League on Tuesday evening as they take on Leicester City away from home. Back on the road just three days after a famous 2-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday, Unai Emery’s men are oozing with confidence.
The Villans made The Blues rue their missed chances at Stamford Bridge, claiming all three points thanks to a half-volleyed chip from Ollie Watkins and a peach of a long-range effort from John McGinn. Saturday’s result was the nail in the coffin for Graham Potter as Chelsea relieved the head coach of his duties 24 hours later.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround under Emery as The Lions were close to the relegation battle when Steven Gerrard was sacked a few months ago but are now just two points behind sixth-placed side Brighton & Hove Albion. The scary thing for opponents is Villa are only just clicking into gear.
Leicester, who sacked Brendan Rodgers on Sunday after four years in charge, are managerless as it stands. With The Foxes in turmoil, it’s a very good time for Emery and his men to try and get revenge for the 4-2 defeat suffered at Villa Park at the start of February.
Many would assume the approach for team selection would be easy following two wins to nil, but just a couple of days’ rest means Emery may have to rotate his squad somewhat. With that in mind, as well as some injury news updates, here’s the starting XI we think Villa will go with at the King Power Stadium.
1. Aston Villa predicted starting lineup vs Leicester City
Here are the 11 players we think Emery will go with on Tuesday, including a position change for Ezri Konsa.
2. GK: Emiliano Martinez
Made bucket loads of saves at Stamford Bridge and is the first name on the team sheet every week. Named FIFA’s The Best for a reason.
3. RB: Ezri Konsa
Has played at right-back in the past and moves into the position to allow for a fresh addition into the XI. Ashley Young struggled against Ben Chilwell on Saturday.
4. CB: Diego Carlos
Emery was tight-lipped in the post-Chelsea press conference but seemed to hint at more game time for the Brazilian. This could be his chance.