Aston Villa will be hoping to make it 12 consecutive home Premier League wins as they play host to Luton Town on Sunday afternoon. Returning from their midweek success away at AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Unai Emery’s side will be buoyant with confidence.
Luton, who have shipped 17 goals so far this season, have won just one game since their promotion to the English top flight. Despite their poor start, the Hatters are still just outside the relegation zone and their defeats haven’t exactly been comprehensive.
Rob Edwards’ team came from behind to record an impressive 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest last time out and only lost by one goal against Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley in the two matches previous. Emery won’t underestimate his opponents, no matter their position in the table.
With that in mind, we think Villa will field a near-enough full-strength lineup this weekend, albeit with a few changes due to the recent fixture congestion. Click through the pages to see the 11 players we reckon will start, as well as brief explanations for each inclusion.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
The first name on the team sheet very single week, there’s no chance Martinez will be dropped.
2. RB - Matty Cash
The fixture congestion is racking up but Cash is in top form and should start again at right-back.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Comes back into the XI after being rested midweek. Should be fresh and eager for a clean sheet.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Another player to be benched in Alkmaar, Pau will likely come back into the XI, replacing Clement Lenglet.