Aston Villavs.Ipswich

The England international missed the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend on account of his groin problem, but Unai Emery expressed hope that he would be fit for the visit of the Tractor Boys.

The Spaniard is not exactly short of options to stand in for Watkins if need be, though; Donyell Malen led the line in the Spurs victory, but Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford are alternatives.

However, there is seemingly a strong chance that Watkins will be passed fit for Saturday, where Asensio could instead make his Premier League debut on the right-hand side over Leon Bailey.

As Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey - the scorers in the win over Ange Postecoglou's side - are more or less indispensable in attack, Rashford might have to hope for another appearance from the bench.

Further back, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn should man the midfield again, but Ezri Konsa's muscular issue from the FA Cup could leave Emery without three fit central defenders; Tyrone Mings (knee) and Pau Torres (ankle) are also stricken.

Only Torres has definitely been ruled out at the time of writing, but there is every chance that Emery might have to pair Lamare Bogarde up with Boubacar Kamara, while Andres Garcia can expect to deputise for Matty Cash at right-back again.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Garcia, Kamara, Bogarde, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans; Asensio, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Written by

Ben Knapton