Aston Villa will face off against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon as they look to earn a victory on the road and begin their Premier League campaign in a positive manner. The Villans picked up a 3-1 win over U.S. Salernitana 1919 last weekend which will give them some momentum going into this crucial clash versus the Hornets.
Dean Smith will probably set up his players in a 4-4-2 formation and could name both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as his strikers up top. The Villans head coach is expected to name a strong side so that the West Midlands side can pick up maximum points from this away game.
4-4-2 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Watford
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will resume his goalkeeping duties for the Villans after enjoying a terrific run of form with them last season. Ezri Konsa will once again operate along with Tyrone Mings as they hope to stop the Hornets from scoring this weekend.
Matty Cash will be a nailed-on starter at right-back while Matt Targett looks to produce an impressive showing as the left-back. Both of them will be given the freedom to express themselves in the Watford half so that they can offer enough support to the front players.
Frédéric Guilbert will be in a race against time to be fit for a place on the bench.
Midfield
Marvelous Nakamba and John McGinn will function as the holding midfielders as they try to establish their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park. Anwar El Ghazi will feature as the left-winger while Emiliano Buendia could get the nod to start on the right flank if he can pass a late fitness test.
Morgan Sanson is unlikely to be ready in time to feature in this match but Douglas Luiz should be fit for a spot on the Villans bench.
Attack
As mentioned earlier, Ollie Watkins, who is a slight doubt for this game, will spearhead the Aston Villa attack alongside Danny Ings up top. Both of them will be keen on finding the back of the Watford net during the 90 minutes.
