Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard faces arguably his toughest task to date when it comes to naming his starting eleven for the trip to Leeds United.
The last two games have seen his side score six without conceding and notch up successive victories for the first time since his first two games in charge.
They say never change a winning team but during that time he’s had to.
Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne, two important cogs in the defence, both missed out in the 4-0 win over Southampton through illness though will be available for selection again on Thursday.
Their replacements last Saturday, Calum Chambers and Ashley Young, put in fantastic performances with Chambers even providing one of the moments of the season with that exquisite outside of the boot pass.
And then there’s Emi Buendia who has found himself out of the starting eleven in recent weeks but is working harder than anyone to get back in it according to the manager.
All will feel in some way, they deserve to start in midweek.
Lessons will no doubt have been learned from the last time these two faced off, too, the enthralling 3-3 draw at Villa Park just last month. That in itself could come into the manager’s thinking when it comes to picking an eleven.
With all that in mind, here’s the starting eleven Ben Ramsdale believes Villa will go with for the trip to Yorkshire.
They say never change a winning team but during that time he’s had to.
5. LB - Lucas Digne
Despite Ashley Young’s strong performance vs Southampton - it’s hard to not imagine Digne coming back in against a youthful, energetic Leeds side.
6. CM - Douglas Luiz
Has looked much better over the last two games and got a well deserved goal last time out.
7. CM - John McGinn
Was very versatile against Southampton taking up a number of positions centrally. Getting a lot of praise from his manager recently.
8. CM - Jacob Ramsey
Will need to be at his best against a Leeds midfield that won’t give him a minute. Had a steady game versus Saints but didn’t have as much of an affect as he’d have liked. Will hope to provide more on Thursday. Photo: Shaun Botterill