Aston Villa predicted XI vs Brentford: McGinn returns, Ings drops to bench

Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to west London to take on Thomas Frank’s Brentford.

It’s the first time the claret & blue will have suited up since Boxing Day after their scheduled game away at Leeds United on December 28 was postponed due to a covid outbreak in the Whites camp.

And with a few extra days rest compared to their opponents and a near fully fit squad to choose from, the Villans will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s the XI we think Steven Gerrard will go with to try and bring home the three points.

Goalkeeper

The immovable Emiliano Martinez will retain his place in goal unless any unforseen circumstances crop up.

Defence

With the news that Axel Tuanzebe will unsurprisingly be moving on from Villa Park - it leaves Gerrard with few options in the heart of his defence.

With Tyrone Mings suspended, expect Kortney Hause to partner Ezri Konsa at centre-back. Matty Cash & Matty Targett will take up the wing-back roles.

Midfield

Scotland midfielder and fan favourite John McGinn will be a welcome to return to the line-up.

The 27-year-old missed out in the defeat to Chelsea after testing positive for covid-19 but should come straight back into the eleven for Sunday’s clash.

Morgan Sanson and Douglas Luiz are the two I see playing alongside him to make up a three that on paper at least, looks very exciting.

Attack

After a lackluster performance up the top end last time out, it’s highly likely we see a change in attack.

Ollie Watkins should take up his more favoured position down the middle in place of Danny Ings whilst Jacob Ramsey probably gets the freedom to move higher up with Emi Buendia on the opposite flank.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Hause, Konsa, Targett; McGinn, Sanson, Luiz; Ramsey, Watkins, Buendia

With no fresh coronavirus cases as of New Year’s Eve, Villa could be in line to field one of their strongest elevens of the season.

Who would you like to see get the nod on Sunday? Let us know in the comment section below.

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