Aston Villa predicted XI vs Hull City: Emi Buendia out, new signing set for first start
Aston Villa are preparing to face Hull City in their third Premier League outing of the season.
There were at least positives to take from the Villa Park defeat as the Premier League champions could only take a 1-0 win away.
That came despite the B6 outfit going yet another outing without a single shot on target.
There is a trend that needs to change fast, and may happen against the newly promoted side.
Villa will travel to face Hull on Saturday as we now assess how they could line up at the MKM Stadium.
Will Unai Emery stand by his backline vs Hull City?
There have been concerns over the back four to begin the season in the Midlands.
Pau Torres and Victor Lindelof hardly covered themselves in glory against Arsenal, but they did improve against the Gunners.
That may have been thanks to the introduction of Zion Suzuki after he made one save and completed four stellar long balls.
The Japan international could be set to start against the Tigers with the centre-back pairing ahead of him again.
There may be a familiar feel at full-back with Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen potentially ready to feature again from the start after a combined nine duel wins last time out.
Unai Emery may again turn to trusted lieutenants at the base of midfield with Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara potentially set to start together once more.
They completed 70 passes between them against Arsenal, a tally which kept the Villans ticking and will need to be replicated against Hull.
Double change in store in Aston Villa forward line
The base of the side will likely stay the same as Emery likes to maintain a sense of familiarity in his side.
With that being said, it could be the attacking line that features changes away at the MKM Stadium.
That may not spell good news for George Hemmings and Emi Buendia.
The Argentine was dispossessed twice and had a zero per cent cross accuracy last time out at Villa Park, while the teenager only won 29 per cent of his ground duels.
Alejandro Garnacho could come in for his first Villa start, while Alysson could feature on the opposite flank.
The change could be beneficial to feature against Hull as they utilise a formation with three centre-backs and wing-backs.
That could see John McGinn shuffle into the centre of the pitch in behind Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegal international could start once more after completing three dribbles in a difficult debut at Villa Park.
Should Emery make these changes, it could make life more difficult for the newly promoted side on a must-win occasion for the Villans.