Aston Villa has enjoyed a period of resurgence under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery as the historic club has risen to midtable in the Premier League after a torrid time under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, but the Villains come into the weekend with a comfortable 10-point gap between themselves and the bottom three and a real spirit of optimism that the second-city club should be in line to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Villa’s recent four-match undefeated run under their experienced headmaster showed what they are capable of on their day, which included a 2-0 away win against a Tottenham outfit that ran out 1-0 winners against the same Manchester City opponents a few weeks ago. Though Pep Guardiola’s men will be expected to bounce back at Villa’s expense, a manager as experienced as Emery has the capability of tapping into every ounce of his time in the technical area to craft a credible result for the away side.
Predicted Aston Villa XI
Aston Villa Team News
- Out: Diego Carlos, Jed Steer
- Doubt: Bertrand Traoré
Unai Emery may be set to welcome back Burkinabè international winger Bertrand Traoré, who could make his way back into the matchday squad under the Spanish manager if all goes his way before Sunday’s clash. It could still be too soon for the former Olympique Lyonnais man, however, and is listed a doubt accordingly.
Diego Carlos remains laid up in drydock on the treatment table, with Emery likely to once again turn to Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa to once again partner each other in the heart of the defense. Backup keeper Jed Steer is also unavailable due to injury.
