Aston Villa take on Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend in what shapes up to potentially be one of the best Premier League fixtures of the 2023/24 season.
Both qualifiers for Europe last term, Villa and Brighton have ruffled the feathers of the top seven consistently over the last 12 months and are hoping to go one step further this campaign.
Unai Emery and Roberto De Zerbi have established themselves as two of the greatest tacticians in the division but only one team can come out on top this weekend.
The last four meetings between the sides have gone Villa’s way, with two 2-1 scorelines and a double of 2-0s. Emery is eager to make it five in five while Albion want to end the streak.
Rotating back to a stronger lineup from the 2-1 defeat to Everton midweek, here are the 11 players we think will start in claret and blue on Saturday afternoon.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Heads back into the team after making way for Robin Olsen in the Carabao Cup.
2. RB - Matty Cash
Could do with a rest but the lack of squad depth makes the Poland international almost a guaranteed starter at current.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Had an usually poor game midweek but will be eager to bounce back, albeit in a rather fatigued state.
4. CB - Pau Torres
The big-money summer signing will be relied upon for much of the campaign with Tyrone Mings out long-term.