Aston Villa will host Watford at Villa Park next after securing a crucial point against Brighton. Dean Smith’s men are still in the relegation zone on the 18th spot. Watford are on the 17th spot and are just a point ahead of Villa after their latest resurgence under Nigel Pearson. They too earned a valuable draw against Tottenham recently.
The two teams had squared off in the last week of December, and the Hornets ran out 3-0 winners on the day. Villa will be aware that they would need to pick something from this game to keep them within reach of the coveted 17th spot. With Villa again playing relegation rivals Bournemouth next, the upcoming two fixtures could make or break their season.
Team News: Wesley Moraes is not expected to feature anymore this season due to a knee injury. Keinan Davis is also likely to miss out with a hamstring issue. Jonathan Kodjia remains a significant doubt, and Dean Smith will have to go into another game without any designated striker. Jed Steer, Tom Heaton and John McGinn are also going to be unavailable.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Watford
Formation (3-4-3)
Defence
The experienced Pepe Reina could have done better for the goal he conceded against Brighton. However, he is expected to keep his place in goal with Villa’s goalkeeping options running thin. Tyrone Mings will start in the heart of the defence. Ezri Konsa is set to feature in the right-sided centre back role. Kortney Hause will complete the back three, and he will start on the left side of the defence.
Midfield
Matt Targett will provide width on the left flank, and he will track back when required. Marvelous Nakamba will be expected to keep things tight and moving. The African star will start in midfield. Conor Hourihane might get the nod to start in midfield in place of Danny Drinkwater. Frederic Guilbert will begin on the right flank, and he will have to do a job on both ends of the pitch.
Attack
Jack Grealish continues to be the main threat for Villa, and he will again have to be at his best. He should keep his place on the left-wing. Egyptian international Trezeguet is likely to feature on the right flank. Anwar El Ghazi is playing as the makeshift striker, and he has done reasonably well even though he is playing out of position. The Dutch ace is expected to lead the line again.
