How Villa could line up vs Man City: Crucial boost, key quartet back in XI

On Wednesday night, Aston Villa will play Manchester City, and Unai Emery must make some important choices over his starting lineup.

On Sunday, Villa was far from at its best against Bournemouth; nonetheless, we managed to salvage a point and maintain our unbeaten streak mostly because of the skill of Emiliano Martinez and an incredible finish from Ollie Watkins.

The coming week will be difficult, though, as Arsenal will visit us on Saturday after City, which will put our ability to fight at the top of the Premier League table to the test.

Emery must strike the correct balance to keep the team healthy and fit given the demands of the schedule.

Kamara returns from suspension, three more changes?

Naturally, Martinez will stay in goal, but the defense may see a change as Matty Cash returns to the starting lineup in lieu of Diego Carlos.

Following that, Lucas Digne will remain at left back and Ezri Konsa will go back across to play with Pau Torres at center half. It’s unclear if Alex Moreno is prepared to return for this one, though, as he is clearly pressing for a start right now.

Two more midfield changes could occur, the first of which is certain to occur when Boubacar Kamara serves out his ban and replaces Youri Tielemans, reestablishing his core midfield pairing with Douglas Luiz.

Moussa Diaby will undoubtedly replace Nicolo Zaniolo, who is still struggling to find his form. He will also help Ollie Watkins in the final third. Hopefully, our front player has fully recovered from the injury that made Emery question if he would play against Bournemouth.

Even with the possibility of one or two changes, this is a formidable lineup for Man City, and with Rodri and Jack Grealish out due to suspension with Jeremy Doku doubtful due to an injury, it is anticipated that we can continue our excellent home success with a decisive victory.

Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Manchester City: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey; Diaby, Watkins.

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