Watkins and Duran dilemma assessed as midfielder ‘lucky to start’ - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Arsenal

Aston Villa head out on the road once more this weekend as they take on Premier League title challengers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Unai Emery’s side are full of confidence following three successive victories, over Leicester City and Everton in the Premier League and against West Ham United in the FA Cup. The last outing, at Goodison Park, was the first away win since November and the first clean sheet on the road since September.

All in claret and blue will be eager to carry on the momentum this weekend but facing Arsenal will be a different kettle of fish. The Gunners, unbeaten in their last 11 league fixtures, gained ground on leaders Liverpool midweek and will be keen to close the gap further.

Emery is quite likely to name an unchanged team from the XI that beat Everton but it’s not guaranteed as Jhon Duran will be itching to start ahead of Ollie Watkins. Amadou Onana is at risk of losing his spot too due to his inconsistent form.

Without further ado, here’s the Villa XI we reckon will be named at the Emirates.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal

GK - Emi Martinez

The World Cup winner kept a clean sheet last time out after missing the FA Cup clash with West Ham. He’ll be hungry for another.

RB - Matty Cash

Cash is likely to start consecutively with Diego Carlos on his way out but he needs to step up to keep his place for when Villa sign a new right-sided defender.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa will have to play a lot of minutes over the next few weeks as Villa continue their busy run. Carlos and Pau being out puts Emery into a tricky situation.

CB - Tyrone Mings

It’s not the circumstances Villa would’ve wanted with Pau being sidelined for two months but it’s a great opportunity for Mings to return to his best.

LB - Lucas Digne

It seems very harsh to keep Maatsen on the bench after an assist against Leicester and a good showing against West Ham but Digne remains Emery’s preferred choice.

RM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers made a rare appearance on the right flank against Everton and played well. He should start there again to facilitate teammates being in optimum roles.

CM - Boubacar Kamara

Kamara has seriously impressed over the last couple of months, very much getting back to his strongest. Emery loves having the Frenchman at the base of midfield.

CM - Amadou Onana

Onana, in and out of the XI recently, isn’t in the best form and is at risk of losing his place. With Ross Barkley and John McGinn out injured, however, he should stay - as lucky as that may be.

LM - Morgan Rogers

Almost just as effective on the left as he is through the centre, Rogers enjoys tucking in and taking on defenders to kick-start attacks.

CAM - Youri Tielemans

The Belgium international has so often been one of Villa’s best players, even during defeats. He’s shown in recent weeks how effective he can be in the 10 position.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins scored the winner at Goodison Park and is unlikely to be benched for Jhon Duran. The fight for game time between the two is fascinating to watch as they push one another to the limits.