Ollie Watkins injury decision made as Unai Emery takes defensive risk - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wolves

Unai Emery’s side return to Villa Park with a spring in their step following Tuesday’s dominant 3-0 victory over Young Boys to kick-start their Champions League campaign.

It’s been a strong start to the season on the whole as Villa have won three of their opening four Premier League fixtures, placing them fifth and within one point of Arsenal in second. It was in fact the Gunners who inflicted the Villans’ only defeat of the 2024/25 term so far.

Wolves, meanwhile, are struggling down in the relegation zone. In 18th spot and with just one point out of a possible 12, Gary O’Neil’s men are lacking in confidence. The only match in which they’ve avoided defeat was the 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest three weeks ago.

Villa will be keen to rub salt in Wanderers’ wounds with another victory this weekend, roared on by a sold-out 42,000-strong crowd. Earning all three points would almost certainly lift the men in claret and blue up into the top four and cement Wolves’ place in the bottom three for another week.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wolves

Emery seems to have found his strongest lineup and the Spaniard rarely makes adjustments to it, but there could be a consideration to bench Ollie Watkins. The striker has looked jaded and came off early against Young Boys with an ice pack then applied.

With that dilemma assessed and another in defence, here’s the starting XI we predict Emery will name on Saturday.

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez is without doubt the first-choice goalkeeper – and still arguably the world’s number one, despite his recent squad number change to the meaningful 23.

RB - Lamare Bogarde

Bogarde starting again could be a bit of a risk as he’s been a little raw defensively but Emery is determined to keep Konsa at centre-back.

CB - Ezri Konsa

The England international, as mentioned, will probably stay in the middle if Emery’s press conference comments are to be believed.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau, one of last year’s marquee additions, will be delighted he decided to take the plunge and move to Villa. The Spaniard fits Emery’s system like a glove.

LB - Lucas Digne

Digne will eventually need a rest but he’s been playing so well and looks no closer to losing his place to Ian Maatsen.

RM - John McGinn

McGinn, who can play pretty much anywhere in midfield, is well suited to the right flank. The skipper often drifts inside in a more advanced position in possession.

CM - Amadou Onana

Onana has settled in brilliantly and already has three goals to his name, including the cracker against Young Boys in the Champions League.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans works very well in the double pivot, especially when he’s got freedom to roam a little. He’s been one of Villa’s star men in recent weeks.

LM - Jacob Ramsey

One of Villa’s own, Ramsey is finally coming back into form following an array of injury and fitness issues. His performance against Young Boys warrants another start, though Leon Bailey is now back fit.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers is yet to score or assist this campaign but he’s been one of the most instrumental players. The goal involvements will flow eventually.

ST - Ollie Watkins

There aren’t many players more determined to start when at all possible than Watkins, even when he’s been rather jaded of late. Emery has said he’ll be fine to play, even with Jhon Duran waiting in the wings.