After the midweek Carabao Cup duties, Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park.
The Villans were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Everton in the third round on Wednesday. Defeat means the Unai Emery-managed side’s 10-game winning streak at home in all competitions was brought to a grinding halt.
Following Aston Villa’s exit from the Carabao Cup, Emery would be raring to see his team bounce back immediately and produce a significantly better performance against Brighton in the Premier League.
Aston Villa Team News
Leon Bailey was forced off with an injury in the first half of the 1-2 cup defeat to Everton and is likely to miss the game against Brighton. Jacob Ramsey was ruled out of the midweek cup game with an injury and remains doubtful for the Premier League game.
Diego Carlos returned to the matchday squad against Everton on Wednesday, but Alex Moreno remains out for a few more weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered back in May.
Having rotated his squad in the cup fixture to keep the key first-teamers fit as well as give some fringe players game time, Emery is certain to pick a strong Villa side for Brighton’s visit on Saturday.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez should resume his goalkeeping duties against Brighton, having been rested in midweek with Robin Olsen starting. The Argentinean World Cup winner will be aiming to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League.
Defence
Lucas Digne should start at left-back on Saturday after coming on as a second-half substitute against Everton in the Carabao Cup. Matty Cash should retain his place at right-back in the Aston Villa lineup, while Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa continue their pairing at the heart of Villa’s defence.
The Villa back four have to be switched on throughout the game to keep a dangerous Brighton attack at bay at home.
Midfield
Boubacar Kamara, who came off the bench and scored in the 1-2 cup defeat to Everton, should start in midfield in the Aston Villa lineup. He will resume his partnership with Douglas Luiz in the middle of the park, as the duo look to keep things tidy and use the ball well against a well-drilled Brighton side.
John McGinn will be back in his original wide midfield position, having operated at left-back in the first half against Everton in midweek. With his flair and creativity, Nicolo Zaniolo will be looking to make a difference as a wide-left midfielder as part of the Aston Villa lineup.
Attack
Ollie Watkins opened his Premier League season account last weekend in the 1-0 win over Chelsea. This should give him confidence heading into the game against Brighton. He will lead the Villa attack, with Moussa Diaby supporting the England international.
With Watkins and Diaby’s pace, flair and movement, Villa would be a lethal component on the counter attacks against De Zerbi’s side.