Jadon Sancho ditched – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Sunderland
Aston Villa travel to play Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Although Unai Emery is reportedly remaining calm, if Villa’s dismal start to the new campaign continues, the Spaniard, who at one point seemed untouchable at Villa Park, could soon be fighting to keep his job.
Villa’s midweek defeat to Brentford in the Carabao Cup is their third so far this season in their opening five matches, with the other two games ending in a draw.
Harvey Elliott’s tame effort is the Villans’ only goal of the new campaign as Emery’s side have lacked their usual quality in the final third that they will be hoping to rediscover against Sunderland.
Jadon Sancho and Evann Guessand to be dropped by Unai Emery
Villa are the favourites against Sunderland, despite the Black Cats enjoying a successful start upon their return to the Premier League
Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line, with Watkins potentially breaking a Villa record against Sunderland if the striker can register a goal contribution on Sunday.
Elliott is expected to keep his place after impressing against Brentford, but fellow new signings Sancho and Guessand both struggled to impact the game and will likely start on the bench as a result.
Boubacar Kamara could make his first start after returning from injury in midfield, with Kamara being substituted on with just over 15 minutes to play against Brentford in place of Lamare Bogarde.
Lucas Digne is expected to replace Ian Maatsen at left-back, whilst Emi Martinez regains his spot in between the sticks in place of Marco Bizot.
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Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have points to prove
Both Watkins and Rogers were Villa’s most influential attackers for large portions of last season, but both have been anonymous in the appearances they have made so far this season.
This downturn in form from the pair is undoubtedly a reason why Villa have struggled to create many clear-cut chances in games this season, which has ultimately led to Emery’s side scoring just one goal in their opening five matches.
Whilst Emery needs Rogers and Watkins to come good, he cannot continually start them if they both regularly underperform, and if the duo struggle against Sunderland, perhaps they will find themselves on the bench in the near future.
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