View: Aston Villa predicted XI for Premier League clash v Liverpool
Aston Villa are set to kickstart their Premier League campaign as Liverpool travel to Villa Park on Boxing Day in what is Unai Emery’s toughest test to date.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have endured a tough start to the season but still sit sixth in the table and is looking to produce a good run of form to secure a Champions League place.
The Reds have quality all over the pitch and will represent a stern test for the Villans. Here Villa News makes a prediction on how Emery will set his side up.
The 51-year-old is likely to adopt the variation of the 4-2-2-2 which has worked well since his arrival at the West Midlands club. Robin Olsen will start in goal for Villa, with Emiliano Martinez currently away celebrating Argentina’s World Cup victory (Birmingham Live, 23 December). Olsen has a minor “problem” but is expected to play.
Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne will be Villa’s likely back four in front of Olsen. Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz should start is the midfield duo. John McGinn could potentially be given a start, but he may well be utilised in a more advanced.
We predict the Spaniard to start Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia in the attacking midfield positions, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings up front against his old side. There’s a chance McGinn could come in for one of the strikers, with Buendia then pushing into an even more advanced role.
Villa will be hoping for another impressive performance under the Spaniard to continue his 100 per cent record in charge.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery can exploit glaring Liverpool defensive weakness on Boxing Day.