For the first time in 18 months, Aston Villa can fill the stands that their manager used to sweep in his youth when they hosted Newcastle United for Saturday’s Premier League meeting.
Fans who could not wait and made the trip south on the opening weekend of the season saw Villa leave empty-handed as Watford went on to win a 3-2 victory, despite a late wave from the visitors.
Last season began with four wins in a row and only two goals conceded, so it’s now up to Dean Smith to regroup and pick a side that can beat Newcastle – which was also turned around on opening day.
Here is a 90 minute predicted Villa lineup …
Emi Martinez was named player of the season in his debut campaign with Villa / Tony Marshall / Getty Images
Emi Martinez (GK) – With success in the Copa America still fresh in Martinez’s mind, the Argentine will demand to return to winning ways with a clean sheet.
Matty Cash (RB) – One year after his arrival, Cash will likely experience the roar of Villa Park’s Holte End in all unfiltered glory on Saturday afternoon.
Ezri Konsa (CB) – Given the quality and consistency of his performance in Villa’s significantly improved defense over the past year and a half, Konsa may be disappointed with his absence from England’s European Championship squad – but it will make Aston Villa start XIs without him this season.
Tyrone Mings (CB) – Even without the bracelet, Mings wore himself and steered his defense with the captain’s authority last season. Now the team’s official leader, only suspension or injury will limit his appearance.
Ashley Young (LB) – For the first time in 3,737 days, Young lined up again for Aston Villa in the Premier League. But after Matt Targett’s difficult 45 minutes against Ismaila Sarr, Young’s friendly match was announced this weekend.
2020/21: 15 goals, 17 assists2019 / 20: 1 goal, 8 assists
What would be classified as a successful 2021/22 season for Emiliano Buendia, Aston Villa fans? ? pic.twitter.com/Iel4rPrsGo
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) July 31, 2021
John McGinn (CM) – The tireless heartbeat in Villa’s midfield just missed a Premier League match last season – far too many for someone with clear and blue persuasion.
Douglas Luiz (CM) – Villa’s Brazilian defensive midfielder was not risked on Saturday after a packed summer took him to the finals of the Copa America and the Olympics, but with Morgan Sanson left on the treatment table, the Luiz mini-break may come to an end.
Emi Buendia (AM) – Aston Villas signing of the summer withstood a steady start to their new club, without creating a single chance against Watford. Buendia does not have much adjustment time when he carries the number ten that was left by a certain Jack Grealish last season.
Danny Ings found the net on his club debut against Watford / Tony Marshall / Getty Images
Anwar El Ghazi (RW) – As Trezeguet continues to deal a knee injury from the previous campaign, Villa’s second-point shooter last season will have a chance to replicate his double-digit move.
Danny Ings (ST) – When the consolation goals went, Ing’s penalty in the dying minutes of the Watford defeat became somewhat meaningful and removed the weight of expectation for all new strikers who were waiting for their maiden goal.
Leon Bailey (LW) – The Jamaican international’s cameo on Saturday provided a glimpse of the qualities Bailey can bring to the East Midlands and helped McGinn within minutes of his arrival following a trademark outbreak. Can give him a start here.
