‘Dwindling’ defender dropped as Unai Emery rings changes in FA Cup - Aston Villa predicted XI vs West Ham

Aston Villa kick off their 2024/25 FA Cup campaign with the hosting of fellow Premier League outfit West Ham on Friday evening.

Entering in the third round, Unai Emery’s men will be determined to progress to the latter stages of the competition after several disappointments throughout the past decade. Villa have made it to the fourth round just twice since their 2015 final defeat to Arsenal and they’ve lost both times, against Chelsea last term and against Manchester City in 2016.

Emery’s first FA Cup journey ended abruptly as Villa suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Stevenage at Villa Park. The head coach will be desperate to go much further in the tournament this time around, though the Premier League and Champions League remain the priority competitions.

Friday’s opponents, West Ham, are in a chaotic moment as Julen Lopetegui has officially been sacked and Graham Potter is in advanced talks to become their new manager. The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss is expected to be in charge at Villa Park, so that makes the game a whole lot more interesting.

On the team news front, rotation is certainly possible from the 2-1 victory over Leicester City as Villa have crucial clashes with Everton, Arsenal and AS Monaco - all away from home - to come in the next two weeks. There are a few dilemmas, too, with John McGinn now out for a few matches with a hamstring injury and Jhon Duran still banned.

With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name against the Hammers at Villa Park.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs West Ham

GK - Emi Martinez

The World Cup winner has admitted himself he’s not in the best form this season but he’ll be more determined than anyone to put that right.

RB - Matty Cash

Back from suspension after serving his one-match ban against Leicester, Cash is likely to return to the starting lineup immediately..

CB - Diego Carlos

Carlos’ future at the club was very uncertain in the summer but he stayed and remains a good utility player. This is a good opportunity to give Ezri Konsa a rest.

CB - Tyrone Mings

With Pau Torres out for two months with a broken metatarsal, Mings has an opening to get back to his best. It’s not the circumstances that Villa would’ve wanted but at least it gives Mings time to shine.

LB - Ian Maatsen

The Dutchman made an instant impact off the bench against Leicester as he assisted Bailey’s winner. He deserves a start and Lucas Digne’s form has been dwindling.

RM - Leon Bailey

Lifted by his first goal of the season last time out, Bailey will be keen to build momentum ahead of the rest of the campaign.

CM - Amadou Onana

In for a like-for-like swap with Boubacar Kamara, Onana could make his first start since the Boxing Day defeat at Newcastle.

CM - Ross Barkley

There’s no need to drop Barkley out of the XI after the former Everton and Chelsea man netted a fine goal against the Foxes.

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. He’s back from suspension.

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

Relieved to be back in the team, Watkins will lead the line in the absence of Jhon Duran, who is still banned following his controversial red at Newcastle.