After enduring four consecutive defeats leading into the international break, Aston Villa will hope to reset their season with a crucial home fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Villans have their sights set on turning the tide, but it will not be easy. They are up against a Palace team aiming to claim three successive victories over Villa for the first time, having smashed them 5-0 on the final day of last season before a recent 2-1 Carabao Cup victory.
The Eagles are desperate for three points, having won only one Premier League game this season. However, history favours the Villains. They have lost just one of 12 Premier League home games against Palace.
The growing injury list has challenged Unai Emery’s squad depth. Midfield options have taken a hit with Jacob Ramsey sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained against Liverpool.
Amadou Onana is also ruled out after suffering a foot muscle tear on international duty with Belgium. Emery could turn to Ross Barkley as a potential replacement.
Defensively, concerns eased slightly as Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa returned to training despite knocks sustained during the break.
Konsa, who picked up a minor hip injury in Nations League action, is expected to be fit to partner Torres in the heart of the defence.
They’ll be flanked by Matty Cash, returning from injury, and Lucas Digne, who shone on international duty by contributing to three goals in France’s win over Italy.
John McGinn will likely reclaim his spot in midfield after a stellar showing for Scotland, where he scored twice in quick succession. The Villa captain’s energy and leadership will be vital in Ramsey’s absence.
Ollie Watkins will spearhead the attack fresh off his international exploits with England. The dynamic forward, who netted during the break, is expected to link up with Morgan Rogers.
Rogers, riding high on his first senior England call-up and a new long-term club contract, will hope to make a mark alongside Leon Bailey and McGinn in support of Watkins.
Aston Villa Predicted XI v Crystal Palace
(4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Ross Barkley, Youri Tielemans; Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Ollie Watkins.
