Aston Villa head out on the road this Sunday afternoon to take on Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side will be keen to continue their momentum following four wins in five matches to start the new season. Another victory this weekend would secure their status in the top four and potentially be enough to claim top spot.
The attention midweek was on the Carabao Cup as Villa beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 to progress to the last 16, though even then there was one eye on this weekend’s tie. Emery rotated heavily, making 10 changes to the team that saw off Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 and giving several key players a rest from the squad entirely.
Focusing on the Premier League as a priority is understandable as the Villans seek to become established European regulars – and the competition is fiercer than ever in the top positions. Winning away at Ipswich this Sunday will be a great help in Villa’s ambitions, though it could be a trickier fixture than it sounds.
The newly-promoted Tractor Boys are down in 17th spot currently and are yet to win a game but they’ve drawn three of their five outings. Kieran McKenna’s men are proving difficult to beat, with even the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham unable to force a way through to victory.
Emery is bound to show Ipswich the utmost respect this weekend, naming as strong of a lineup as possible despite the fast-approaching Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday. With that in mind, here are the 11 players we predict will be named at Portman Road.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Ipswich
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 has been in the lineup a lot recently with Matty Cash out with a hamstring problem. Albeit raw and showing signs of vulnerability, he’s likely to play again.
CB – Ezri Konsa
The England international is bound to stay in the middle as Diego Carlos has muscle tightness and probably won’t be risked.
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 was rested midweek and £37.5m signing Ian Maatsen played the majority of the match. That gives us an indiciation Digne will continue as the first choice in the league.
RM – Leon Bailey
Bailey, back from his own fitness issue and ready to go, looks set to be the man to replace the injured John McGinn out on the right.
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. He deserves another league start.
CAM – Morgan Rogers
Rogers continues to lift fans off their seats with his terrific footwork and positive drive. The 22-year-old notched his first two assists of the season last weekend.
ST – Ollie Watkins
Watkins, who has three goals and one assists in five Premier League games this term, should reclaim the striker spot from Jhon Duran, who is likelier to be introduced later in the game.
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