Unai Emery makes £52m call as ‘lethargic midfielder’ axed - Aston Villa predicted XI gallery vs Brighton
Charlie Haffenden
·2-min read
Heads back into the team after making way for Robin Olsen in the Carabao Cup.
Aston Villa take on Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend in what shapes up to potentially be one of the best Premier League fixtures of the 2023/24 season.
Both qualifiers for Europe last term, Villa and Brighton have ruffled the feathers of the top seven consistently over the last 12 months and are hoping to go one step further this campaign.
Unai Emery and Roberto De Zerbi have established themselves as two of the greatest tacticians in the division but only one team can come out on top this weekend.
Could do with a rest but the lack of squad depth makes the Poland international almost a guaranteed starter at current.
The last four meetings between the sides have gone Villa’s way, with two 2-1 scorelines and a double of 2-0s. Emery is eager to make it five in five while Albion want to end the streak.
Rotating back to a stronger lineup from the 2-1 defeat to Everton midweek, here are the 11 players we think will start in claret and blue on Saturday afternoon.
Had an usually poor game midweek but will be eager to bounce back, albeit in a rather fatigued state.
The big-money summer signing will be relied upon for much of the campaign with Tyrone Mings out long-term.
With Alex Moreno still not back, Digne is probably going to have to take on most minutes for a while.
Played just 45 minutes midweek in order to be rested enough for the weekend. Moves back into midfield after a stint at left-back.
One of the most reliable options in the entire Villa squad and will be key to winning a tricky midfield battle against Brighton.
In far better form than Leander Dendoncker and Youri Tielemans, with the latter rather lethargic midweek. Was sensational in the win at Chelsea.
Oozes class whenever he touches the ball and has the directness needed to hit Brighton on the counter.
The Frenchman’s pace on the half-turn could hurt Albion and so Emery looks set to decide on keeping the £52 million signing in the XI, even with the fixture congestion.
Should be the undisputed first choice striker despite Jhon Duran’s form. Watkins is more consistent and has the physicality to deal with Lewis Dunk and Igor Julio.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa at Anfield on September 03, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
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