Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery prepares his side for the Premier League meeting against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.
Following their return to the top four last weekend, Aston Villa have the opportunity to jump five points clear of Tottenham Hotspur with a win over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Saturday.
Spurs will not play this weekend due to Chelsea’s participation in the Carabao Cup final, thus their match at Stamford Bridge will be postponed until later in the season. Villa’s 2-1 victory over Fulham was enough to lift them above Ange Postecoglou’s side, which lost by the same scoreline at home to Wolves.
Meanwhile, Manchester United won their fourth league game in a row, defeating Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The Red Devils visit Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday, with a 3pm kickoff.
Unai Emery faces a couple of issues ahead of Villa’s match against Forest, considering the lack of choices following injuries to Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, and Boubacar Kamara in recent weeks. One decision he’ll have to make is whether to start Alex Moreno or Lucas Digne, while Moussa Diaby may be in contention, but replacing the in-form Jacob Ramsey or Youri Tielemans is unlikely.
Emi Martinez
Martinez is aiming for a sixth league clean sheet of the season this weekend.
Matty Cash
Cash impressed in the game over Fulham and performed admirably against Willian. He is likely to face Callum Hudson-Odoi on Saturday.
Clement Lenglet
Last time out, Lenglet played at right centre-back and delivered an excellent performance. Only a defensive mix-up with Martinez kept him from putting on a flawless performance, but the goalie eventually accepted responsibility for the error that led to Fulham’s goal.
Pau Torres
Torres’ influence on the team is enormous. He will be a vital player on Saturday.
Alex Moreno
Moreno will most certainly retain his spot in the XI, since there is no need to change a winning team. Digne will undoubtedly play a role in the coming weeks as Villa’s fixture schedule gets busier.
Douglas Luiz
Luiz will remain in midfield on Saturday.
John McGinn
Like Luiz, McGinn has started every Premier League game this season.
Leon Bailey
Bailey will welcome the opportunity to increase his numbers this season, as he approaches double figures in both goals and assists.
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey appears stronger and fitter with each passing week. He could be a vital player against Forest.
Youri Tielemans
Tielemans added another assist last weekend, his second in three appearances. He is currently supporting Watkins at the top of the pitch, which is a role he has never played previously in his career.
Ollie Watkins
Watkins has made 23 goal contributions in 25 games this season, 13 of which have been goals.
