Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Ipswich: two key changes made as £35m gem starts

Aston Villa have begun the season where they left off last year, winning four of their five games and progressing in the League Cup to set up a fourth-round game against Crystal Palace. Unai Emery has been able to keep his players hungry, and the early success of Jhon Durán, who continues to score regularly from the bench, means that Ollie Watkins needs to maintain his form to ensure Durán doesn’t knock him off his perch.

Ipswich Town have not won a league game since they came up, but they have also only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool, so this could be a very interesting game, especially with it being played at the home of the Tractor Boys.

Team and injury news

There is a fresh injury concern for Villa centre-half Diego Carlos. The Brazilian was named on the bench for the midweek trip to Wycombe Wanderers, but he pulled out of the game after feeling a niggle during the warm-up. It is unlikely he will be part of the squad for Sunday's game. Captain John McGinn and Lucas Digne are also doubts for the game due to muscle injuries, while long-term absentee Tyrone Mings is still not ready.

Goalkeeper and defence

Emi Martinez is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his decision to leave Arsenal and move to Villa, followed by his World Cup victory, is one of the most inspiring football stories of the last decade. He will start in goal, but former Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen could start on the left, with Serbian Kosta Nedeljkovic at right-back and Ezri Konsa partnering Pau Torres at centre-back.

Midfield

The midfield is where the game is often won for Villa. Summer signing Amadou Onana has adapted quickly to life at the club, and Youri Tielemans is enjoying a brilliant start to the campaign. The hardworking Jacob Ramsey will complete the midfield trio, which should be more than capable of getting the job done.

Forwards

Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, and Watkins are the obvious picks for the attack, with super-sub Durán more than happy to keep his spot on the bench and come on to grab a goal, as has been the story of the season so far.

Martinez, Nedeljkovic, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Tielemans, Onana, Ramsey, Rogers, Bailey, Watkins.