Matt Maher's predicted Aston Villa XI vs West Ham
Unai Emery refused to rule Ollie Watkins out of Villa’s trip to West Ham on Sunday after the striker was injured in Thursday’s win over Ajax.
Top scorer Watkins was forced off after 33 minutes against the Dutch giants after sustaining a cut to his left knee, albeit after already opening the scoring to set Villa on their way to a 4-0 Europa Conference League victory.
Watkins has started every Premier League match for Villa since Boxing Day 2022 and has been a vital part of their challenge toward the top of the table this season.
The 28-year-old is just four goals away from becoming the first Villa player since Peter Withe in 1981 to net 20 in a top flight campaign.
Villa will definitely be without skipper John McGinn at the London Stadium, as he serves the first of a three-match ban following his sending-off in last week’s 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Here’s how we think Villa will line-up:
Emi Martinez
Will take the captain’s armband in McGinn’s absence. Together with Watkins and the skipper, he’s the most important player in this Villa team.
Matty Cash
Has found some more consistent form in the couple of months or so, helped by more often than not playing in his preferred right-back position.
Ezri Konsa
The defender got a rare rest on Thursday evening due to being suspended. Will slot back into defence, with Diego Carlos out injured.
Pau Torres
This will be the first time the Spaniard and Konsa have been paired together in the Premier League since December.
Lucas Digne
Didn’t have the best of games in his first league start since December against Tottenham. Slightly stronger in defence than Alex Moreno, so should get the nod.
Leon Bailey
Looked a little lost in a more central position against Spurs. Went back on the wing against Ajax and was electrifying again.
Douglas Luiz
Has enjoyed an excellent season but will need to take on more responsibility than ever with McGinn missing for the next three matches.
Tim Iroegbunam
These next three matches are a huge opportunity for the 20-year-old to announce himself on the Premier League stage. Has made just one previous Premier League start.
Youri Tielemans
Played the second half against Ajax, where it looked as though Emery was managing the workload of a talented player who looked a little weary against Tottenham.
Moussa Diaby
Looked sharper than he has for months against Ajax and was rewarded with a goal. That should boost his confidence, as will a surprise France recall.
Ollie Watkins
Villa Park held its breath when Watkins writhed in agony after picking up his knee injury. The striker is made of tough stuff. Don’t rule him out.
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