Aston Villa line-up vs Crystal Palace predicted as Alex Moreno gives Unai Emery big boost
Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery prepares his side for this weekend's clash with Crystal Palace at Villa Park
Aston Villa are aiming to return to winning ways this weekend when they host Crystal Palace at Villa Park (3pm kick-off).
The September international break is over and Villa have been boosted by the return of left-back Alex Moreno, who resumed full training at Bodymoor Heath last week. He has been missing since May due to a hamstring injury, and could make his comeback on Saturday.
Jacob Ramsey is also expected to return this month after he missed pre-season with a foot injury he picked up in the summer while representing England Under-21s in the European Championships. Villa have had a mixed start to the 2023/24 campaign, having won two and lost two of their opening four Premier League games.
After a shock 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United, Unai Emery's side beat Everton and Burnley, but then lost to Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield before the international break.
Diego Carlos is a doubt for the weekend after he picked up a small hamstring injury, and Moreno could come straight back into the side. Alternatively, Emery could hand Clement Lenglet his full debut.
Matty Cash is expected to start, while Leon Bailey could earn a recall to the XI after impressing in the home match against Everton last month. Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara are likely to continue as a pair in midfield, while John McGinn offers support for Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins at the top of the pitch.
Villa predicted line-up vs Palace: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Moreno; Kamara, Luiz, Bailey, McGinn; Diaby, Watkins.