Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Aston Villa could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Following four straight defeats leading into the international break, Aston Villa will return to action on Saturday, when Crystal Palace pay a visit to Villa Park.
The hosts have seen their absence list grow longer over the past fortnight, as Jacob Ramsey suffered a hamstring injury against Liverpool and fellow midfielder Amadou Onana tore a foot muscle while with Belgium; Ross Barkley could deputise for Onana this weekend.
Two regular members of the Villans’ back four also returned to Birmingham early, but Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa – the latter of whom picked up a minor hip injury in the UEFA Nations League – are expected to be available on Saturday.
They could join returning right-back Matty Cash in the hosts’ defence, with Lucas Digne completing the quartet – the set-piece specialist played a part in three goals as France beat Italy at San Siro.
Meanwhile, Villa captain John McGinn brought an end to a long drought by scoring two crucial goals in as many games for Scotland, and he is now set to regain his place in Unai Emery‘s starting XI, given Ramsey’s absence.
England striker Ollie Watkins, who also scored for his country during the Premier League’s hiatus, should start up front; super-sub Jhon Duran would therefore take up a familiar spot on the bench.
Once more, Watkins will link up with Morgan Rogers, who celebrated his first senior Three Lions call-up by signing a new long-term contract with his club.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
> Click here to see how Crystal Palace could line up for this Premier League contest
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