Aston Villa travel to face Sheffield United at Brammall Lane on Wednesday and Dean Smith could make a number of changes from the side that beat Leeds United on Saturday as the Claret and Blues have three games in a week.
Emiliano Martinez kept his fifth clean sheet in 2021 against Leeds (Transfermarkt) but picked up a minor groin injury, so he may not be 100%. He should still start, however. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings were solid on Saturday, so Bjorn Engels won’t be breaking up their partnership.
Ahmed Elmohamady put in a better performance against Leeds in Matty Cash’s stead and should keep his place at right-back. Matt Targett has been outstanding and is miles ahead of Neil Taylor, so he won’t lose his place.
Marvelous Nakamba impressed in Douglas Luiz’s stead on Saturday and Jacob Ramsey also shone in Ross Barkley’s stead against Leeds, so the pair of midfielders should keep their spot. John McGinn has played every minute of Villa’s last seven games, so the 5ft 8in man might be in line for a rest. Morgan Sanson could be in line to make his long-awaited full debut.
Bertrand Traore has played in every league game for Villa since early-November, so the 25-year-old might be rested to be fully fit on the weekend. Trezeguet is an option for Smith. Anwar El Ghazi put in a good performance against Leeds, scoring the winning goal at Elland Road, so he should keep his place against the Blades.
Ollie Watkins could benefit from a break as he’s played every minute of every Premier League game, but Smith doesn’t trust Keinan Davis and Wesley Moraes is still only returning to fitness, so the former should start.
Predicted XI to face Sheff Utd: Martinez; Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Nakamba, Sanson, Ramsey; Traore, El Ghazi; Watkins
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