Aston Villa’s penultimate game of the season and final home match of 2021/22 comes in the shape of Mike Jackson’s Burnley on Thursday evening.
For Villa, it’s nothing more than a ‘dead rubber,’ if you will. They can’t get into Europe, they are well clear of the Premier League’s bottom three and with a top half finish now looking beyond reach - it’s merely pride that Steven Gerrard’s men are playing for.
Burnley on the other hand go into this one knowing that they quite simply cannot lose.
They head into the match occupying the last relegation spot just behind Leeds United. A point would see them go above the Whites on goal difference whilst a win would allow them to take a huge stride in retaining their Premier League status.
The stakes may not be as high for the claret and blue but that won’t take away from Gerrard’s will to win and the desire to sign off from another season at Villa Park with three points.
With all that in mind, here’s the eleven we think Gerrard may go with on Thursday evening.
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Unless Gerrard chooses to give Robin Olsen a run out in the final game at Villa Park - Martinez’s spot is safe.
2. RB - Matty Cash
The Supporters’ Player of the Year to start in front of his fans one more time this season.
3. CB - Calum Chambers
Gerrard says it’s unlikely that Ezri Konsa plays again this season due to injury so it’s Chambers’ spot for the final two.
4. CB - Tyrone Mings
Last start this season for the skipper at Villa Park.