Aston Villa head into Saturday's meeting with Brentford looking for their first home league win of the season. They do so with momentum, after the 3-2 win away at Tottenham before the international break, and with a squad that suddenly looks healthier.
That changes the conversation. It also creates a few problems for Unai Emery, the sort of problems managers prefer. Pau Torres is back available after missing the trip to Spurs, Alysson has also returned, and Brian Madjo is in the frame after getting minutes in the 3-1 friendly win over Sevilla.
The likely Aston Villa lineup looks straightforward enough. Zion Suzuki should keep his place in goal. Across the back four, Matty Cash and Matteo Ruggeri are expected to start as full-backs, with Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres in central defence.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes are set to anchor things. Ahead of them, John McGinn should bring the running and edge, with Johan Manzambi and Emi Buendia providing support around Nicolas Jackson.
That gives Villa a side with energy, control and enough creativity to trouble Brentford early. It also keeps faith with the attackers who delivered at Tottenham, where Manzambi, Jackson and Buendia all scored.
Photo IMAGO
This is where it gets tighter. Tyrone Mings and Aaron Wan-Bissaka may both drop out of the starting side despite featuring last time. Ross Barkley should be among the substitutes, while Madjo is pushing for a place after his recent return. Marco Bizot, George Hemmings and Ibrahim Mbaye are also likely bench options.
Then there are the final spots, and that is where Emery has decisions to make. Alejandro Garnacho, Alysson, Lamare Bogarde, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tammy Abraham and Leon Goretzka are all in the conversation, fitness permitting in Goretzka's case.
The availability picture has improved. Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana remain the only confirmed absentees, which says plenty about the shape Villa are in heading into this one. For a side trying to build on a significant away result, that matters.
Predicted Aston Villa XI: Suzuki, Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Ruggeri, Kamara, Gomes, McGinn, Manzambi, Buendia, Jackson.
