‘Disappointing’ attacker dropped as Unai Emery makes five changes - Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Sunderland

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action this Sunday as they take on the newly promoted Sunderland away from home.

The Villans head to the Stadium of Light for the first time since 2018, very much with a point to prove. Unai Emery’s side remain the only team in the top eight English divisions yet to score a league goal, so there will be great determination to put an end to that shocking statistic.

Villa will be eager to end their search for the all-important first win of the campaign, too, after being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford midweek. It won’t be easy to beat Sunderland, however, as the Black Cats have started the new season strongly with two wins, one draw and one defeat in their first four.

Regis Le Bris’ men have looked particularly strong on home soil, with the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light proving to be one of the best in the division. Not only will Villa have to shake off the shackles off their poor start, but they’ll have to live with the immense noise playing on Tyneside.

Emery has several selection dilemmas to consider this weekend, especially in attack. Plenty of changes are expected following mass rotation against Brentford, while decisions must be made for new signings Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott after they made their first starts on Tuesday.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Sunderland

With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name against the Black Cats.

GK - Emiliano Martinez: The World Cup winner came back into the team last week despite his controversial attempt to leave in the summer. Martinez played excellently at Everton and more of the same would be ideal.

RB - Matty Cash: Currently Villa’s best option at right-back and with Andres Garcia still an injury doubt, Cash has no risk of losing his spot. Emery will want to see a bit more from Cash in the attacking third.

CB - Ezri Konsa: After recently scoring his first England goal, Konsa will be eager to help his side correct their poor form. The defender was integral to Villa’s success last season.

CB - Tyrone Mings: It’s a toss up most weeks between Mings and Pau Torres but the former has been the more reliable. Sunderland are strong in the air, too, so Mings is probably the better pick.

LB - Ian Maatsen: The Dutchman could get the nod ahead of Lucas Digne, who has been poor so far. Maatsen will be eager to convince Emery to start him most weeks; he just needs an opportunity to prove that in the league.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Now back from injury, Kamara returning to the XI should offer Villa a significant boost. Although he’s not too involved in attack, his presence gives his midfield and forward counterparts more license to roam.

CM - John McGinn: As Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana remain doubts for this weekend, McGinn could move into the double pivot. The skipper has struggled on the wing and plays best when central, most would argue.

CAM - Morgan Rogers: Proven time and time again to be best when in the number 10 role, Rogers will be as desperate as anyone to put the poor form behind him. If he scores one, the heavens could open.

RW - Harvey Elliott: Deadline day signing Elliott scored on his first start for Villa and he deserves to play again. Although the goal came from a McGinn interception rather than his own work, it will give him confidence to kick on.

LW - Jadon Sancho: Direct and a strong dribbler, Sancho starting could help Villa unlock Sunderland’s robust defence. Evann Guessand, meanwhile, has been hugely disappointing so far and might well be benched.

ST - Ollie Watkins: Villa’s number 11 struggled to make an impact in the opening four games but we all know what he’s capable of. If the service improves, Watkins could end his hunt for a first league goal of the campaign.