Aston Villa are in action for one final time before the international break as they travel to West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Villans suffered a confidence knock with a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend but the response was sublime as Unai Emery's men ran out 4-0 victors over Ajax on Thursday. West Ham were also firing midweek as they thrashed SC Freiburg by five goals to nil.
The Hammers stuttered at the start of the year as they failed to win any of their first eight fixtures in 2024 but they've bounced back, with 14 goals in five matches since. Emery will be very wary of the threat David Moyes' side will bring, especially as the game is away from home.
Villa face a couple of selection dilemmas this weekend as captain John McGinn is suspended and star striker Ollie Watkins is an injury doubt. Including a replacement in midfield and a decision made for Watkins' involvement, here's our predicted lineup for Sunday.
1. GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, let alone just in the Premier League. There’s no threat to his place in the XI.
2. RB - Matty Cash
The Poland international has displayed a great improvement recently after a shaky start to the campaign. He deserves his spot.
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa, well rested after serving his European suspension midweek, is likely to start in central defence due to Diego Carlos’ hamstring issue.
4. CB - Pau Torres
Pau has been tremendous since signing in the summer and is often the best of a bad defensive bunch even when Villa underperform.