Aston Villa return to home soil on Saturday afternoon as they take on relegation battlers Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Unai Emery’s team will be eager to make it seven wins out of eight on Easter weekend, with European qualification now very much within their sights.
Last time out it was a turnaround victory away at Leicester City with Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore on the scoresheet and before that, it was a delightful 2-0 win away at Chelsea. The Villans have solidified their position in the top half, with five points now the gap to 11th.
Forest, on the other hand, are just two goal difference above the relegation zone in 17th, so they will be just as - if not more - desperate for a positive result. Form-wise, there couldn’t be much more of a contrast as Steve Cooper’s side have failed to win any of their last five – losing three and drawing two.
Villa will be full of confidence going into this one, especially considering Emery nearly has a fully fit squad to select from. Boubacar Kamara could be back after missing the trip to Leicester City, with Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho and Jed Steer the only certain absentees.
With all of that in mind, here is the starting XI we think Emery will go for as Villa take on Forest. See below.
1. Aston Villa predicted starting lineup vs Nottingham Forest
Here are the 11 players we think Emery will select on Saturday.
2. GK: Emiliano Martinez
Loving life between the sticks at the moment with some strong performances after being named the best goalkeeper in the world by FIFA.
3. RB: Ashley Young
Struggled in the first half midweek but sured up in the second period. Has filled in well at right-back whenever Matty Cash has been absent.
4. CB: Ezri Konsa
Has really stepped up his game since Diego Carlos returned to full training from injury. The added competition seems to have taken him to the next level.