Aston Villa predicted line-up vs. Sheff Utd: Three changes made with key defender injured

Aston Villa welcome Sheffield United to Villa Park on Friday evening, with the surprise title contenders looking to an extend a nine-game unbeaten run that extends all the way back to early November – while the visitors will simply be praying for any points they can find as they battle against relegation.

Villa will be the clear favourites for the pre-Christmas clash but may have to make do without several players, including key defender Pau Torres – with the latest update on the Spaniard’s condition coming from a rather improbable source.

Let’s take a look at all the latest updates and injury news for Unai Emery’s side ahead of Friday’s game – and also see who we think will be on the team sheet to face the Blades in the Premier League.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Pau Torres has established himself as a mainstay in Emery’s side but is a doubt for the next fixture after picking up an injury that forced him from the field towards the end of the fiery encounter with Brentford over the weekend. The injury is not believed to be serious but according to Douglas Luiz is bad enough to keep him out of the game against Sheffield United – the Brazilian midfielder took to Twitch to tell fans that he “was not ready” to play this time around. Official sources have yet to confirm or deny Luiz’s claims…

Elsewhere, back-up goalkeeper Robin Olsen will likely miss out with a knock of his own, while Tyrone Mings remains likely to miss the rest of the season thanks to a serious knee injury. Matty Cash is one yellow card away from a one-match ban, but Lucas Digne returns to action following his own one-game suspension which was served last weekend.

Midfield

There are two players who could join long-term absentee Emiliano Buendía on the sidelines for Friday’s game – Youri Tielemans missed the Brentford game with a minor muscular injury, while Bertrand Traoré is likely to miss out again. The Belgian is likely to be fit, however.

One player who will definitely miss out is Boubacar Kamara, who will miss the next three games after receiving a red card against Brentford for pushing an opposing player in the face – the Frenchman has since apologised for his actions, but will still be out for Friday and for the games against Manchester United and Burnley. John McGinn is one booking away from missing a game, too, but Douglas Luiz returns after his suspension for collecting five yellows, and will likely be headed straight back into the startling line-up.

Forwards

There are fewer issues up front, with a clean bill of health for Emery’s most attacking players, meaning that Ollie Watkins should lead the line at Villa Park as he goes on the hunt for a tenth league goal of the campaign. Colombian forward Jhon Durán is also one booking away from picking up a suspension.

Full predicted line-up vs. Sheffield United

Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Digne; Bailey, Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins.