Aston Villa travel to Watford in their Premier League opener later today and will be hoping to start the campaign with a win away from home.
Dean Smith’s side have had an impressive transfer window, sparking talk that they can mount a challenge for European qualification.
Their opponents Watford secured promotion to the Premier League last term and are expected to struggle in the top flight.
However, the Hornets have an impressive head-to-head record against Villa, losing just one of their last five meetings.
Despite this, Villa have a much stronger team than Watford and should be able to grind out a positive result here.
Smith has confirmed that all of his summer signings will be available for this game.
Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings are likely to start the game, but Leon Bailey could be on the bench. Ashley Young is also likely to be involved.
Star striker Ollie Watkins could miss out.
Smith on Leon Bailey: “Leon has had to isolate but he will be available for the squad on Saturday.
“He’s a top player and we’re really pleased that he’s here.”#WATAVL pic.twitter.com/uJswXnQWm3
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 13, 2021
Smith: “Emi Buendía has had a slight injury but he’s available. He’ll bring the creativity and a spark.”#WATAVL pic.twitter.com/HAoIfTFl1d
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 13, 2021
Watford Predicted XI (4-3-3): Daniel Bachmann; Danny Rose, William Troost-Ekong, Francisco Sierralta, Kiko Femenia; Tom Cleverley, Peter Etebo, Imran Louza; Emmanuel Dennis, Ismaila Sarr, Cucho Hernandez.
Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matt Targett, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Matthew Cash; Marvelous Nakamba, John McGinn, Ashley Young, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Emiliano Buendia; Danny Ings.
Read: Aston Villa keen on Spanish defender.
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