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Aston Villa will welcome Sunderland at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon as they look to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. The Villans managed to earn a dominant 4-0 win over Bologna recently, so they would be full of confidence going into this game.
Unai Emery will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to keep changes to a minimum for this game. Hence, Ollie Watkins would lead the charge for the Villans up top.
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Sunderland
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will operate in between the sticks for the Villans after keeping a clean sheet in his last appearance. Ezri Konsa will function alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the Aston Villa backline as they look to keep things solid at the back during the game.
Matty Cash will try to prove his worth as the left-back, while Lucas Digne looks to give a good account of himself on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent’s half.
Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa celebrates victory following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Midfield
Amadou Onana will anchor the midfield along with Youri Tielemans as they focus on establishing their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park.
The gifted trio of John McGinn, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia will play just ahead of them as part of the Aston Villa attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Villans are to secure a good result this weekend.
Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey will have to settle for a spot on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Ollie Watkins will spearhead Aston Villa’s attack up top. He has to find a way to be a real menace in and around the opponent’s penalty area.
Tammy Abraham will be available for selection on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the final quarter of the contest if the Villans are in need of a goal by then.
