Aston Villa renew rivalries with Burnley for a Premier League meeting in the Midlands on Thursday evening.
Steven Gerrard’s side will be contesting their final home game of the season in midweek. Villa have won just one of their last five matches on familiar turf, relegating a Norwich City side led by former manager Dean Smith in April.
Here’s the XI Gerrard may deploy to nudge Burnley one step closer to the drop.
Emiliano Martinez (GK) – Only Leeds United and both relegated clubs Norwich and Watford have conceded more goals at home than Martinez’s side (28).
Matty Cash (RB) – The only outfield player to have started each and every one of Villa’s Premier League matches this season.
Calum Chambers (CB) – With Ezri Konsa unable to return after buckling under a tackle last weekend, Chambers may well take his compatriot’s place.
Tyrone Mings (CB) – The club captain picked up a team-high tenth yellow card of the season last weekend.
Lucas Digne (LB) – Since his January arrival, Digne has created more chances than any other Villa player (25).
John McGinn (CM) – The buzzing midfielder recorded his only assist of 2022 against Burnley at Turf Moor earlier this month.
Douglas Luiz (CM) – If Jacob Ramsey is deemed fit enough to start, Luiz may be restored to the holding midfield role he looks more comfortable in.
Jacob Ramsey (CM) – After shaking off a groin injury, Ramsey could be poised for his first start of the month.
Philippe Coutinho (AM) – The club’s first signing of the upcoming summer window was so keen to appear at Villa Park beyond Thursday night he reportedly accepted a 70% pay cut.
Danny Ings (ST) – Burnley can scarcely have felt a curse of an ex quite like Ings’ haunting. The former Claret has scored in each of his last four appearances against his past employers.
Ollie Watkins (ST) – With three goals in his last four games, the England international has clicked into gear ahead of the Nations League fixtures in June.
