Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at The London Stadium, in east London on November 30, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa will take on Manchester United on New Year’s day for their first Premier League game of 2021. Dean Smith’s men have punched way above their weight this season as they sit in 5th place. They have won 3 out of their last 5 league games.
Their opponents, however, are in even rip-roaring form, sitting near the summit of the table, winning 4 of their last 5 games. Villa will take heart from the fact that the game is at Old Trafford, where the hosts have somewhat struggled.
There will be a few names who will likely miss the trip to West Ham. Wesley and Trezeguet are surely ruled out for this one. Ross Barkley could return to the fold after his injury layoff. Tyrone Mings will likely return after serving his suspension.
The former Arsenal man is enjoying being first-choice and will keep his place between the sticks. Has often bailed out his side from crucial games with some great stops.
First choice for the side for a while now. Continues in his position.
Villa’s best defender for a while now. Comes in place of Ezri Konsa after serving his one-game suspension.
Has continued in good form in the absence of Ezri Konsa.
Matty Cash has settled in well at the club and keeps his place on the right side of the defence.
Has been quite a reliable presence in midfield for them. Will face a tricky test against an in-form Bruno Fernandes.
One of Villa’s best players in midfield and remains vital to how the pace of the game is controlled.
He is undoubtedly their best player and an undisputed starter. Should be able to return to his preferred position on the left.
Should return to the starting line-up after missing a chunk of games. Might not feature for the full length of the game.
With Trezeguet out for the time being El Ghazi has done rather well on the right, chipping in with vital goals.
Needs to find his goalscoring boots soon. Hasn’t had the best of times in front of goal for a while now.