Aston Villa predicted XI vs Luton Town: Three changes made as opponents face big injury blows

Aston Villa have surprised many this season with their run of form — handing out upsets like free samples and quietly going about their battle to remain in the top four. The Villans have won against Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and have boasted some impressive score-lines along the way.

However, some banana skin results have been thrown into the mix, including draws with Everton and Sheffield United, and a loss against Nottingham Forest. Villa's overall performance this season though is nothing to be sniffed at, and there's still plenty of time for the Premier League to take some unexpected turns before the season ends.

As things stand, Unai Emery's side are fourth in table, five points clear of Spurs. Only eight points currently separate them from leaders Liverpool too, so the Villans are right up there with the best of the best right now. But they must focus on keeping as much daylight between them and those also pushing for Champions League football. Villa have a nice cushion right now but a couple of slip-ups could start to close the gap drastically.

That's why they cannot afford to underestimate their next opponent. Luton Town are in a very similar situation to Villa — both sides are desperately fighting for an end goal and both have produced surprise results throughout the season.

The Hatters are battling tooth and nail to avoid relegation and have already put the likes of Brighton and Newcastle to the sword. They also forced Liverpool to drop points and put up a tough fight against Man City and Arsenal.

This match will be a test for all involved, but how will they prepare for their next Premier League hurdle? We've predicted how both Villa and Luton will line up on Saturday based on their latest injury news and form.

Aston Villa team news

Villa currently have three players ruled out for the season and other injury concerns have seen the likes of Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos out for shorter stints. The latter is currently training by himself as he eases back in but Konsa has been spotted in normal training and is 'progressing very well' towards a return.

Villa were also handed a boost after Pau Torres was substituted off last time out against Nottingham Forest. The defender felt a 'small pain' and was switched out as a precaution but Villa are said to be optimistic over him returning to the team to play against Luton.

Lucas Digne has recently returned from a hamstring injury but is yet to reclaim his spot back as starting left-back. With some valuable minutes under his belt, could he be given the nod ahead of Álex Moreno? Other than that, Emery won't be looking to change too much about his side as they look to continue their winning streak.

Aston Villa Predicted XI

Emi Martínez; Matty Cash, Clément Lenglet, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, Leon Bailey, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins.

Luton Town team news

Luton have also had a tough run in with fitness and injury troubles in their maiden Premier League season. The most notable absence is their captain Tom Lockyer, who continues to undergo assessments to dictate whether he is able to continue his playing career.

Marvelous Nakamba is due to miss the rest of the season with a meniscus injury, while Elijah Adebayo, Jacob Brown, Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga and Mads Andersen are all also ruled out for the upcoming fixture.

Additonally, Rob Edwards is unsure how bad Amari'i Bell's injury is after he was taken off during their FA Cup clash against Man City. The versatile Reece Burke will likely step up in his absence, despite having limited time on the pitch since October.

Luton Town Predicted XI

Thomas Kaminski; Teden Mengi, Gabriel Osho, Reece Burke, Chiedozie Ogbene, Ross Barkley, Jordan Clark, Doughty, Tahith Chong, Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow.