Aston Villa predicted XI to face West Brom

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Aston Villa take on West Brom in the Premier League this evening.

Dean Smith’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways, after some wayward finishing resulted in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Burnley in midweek.

The Villans had 27 shots at goal at Villa Park but couldn’t find a breakthrough, and it was undoubtedly two points dropped.

One wonders if those guilty of missing several chances will get a reprieve against the Baggpies, or a place on the bench will beckon.

In goal, the solid Emi Martinez will continue and hope for a seventh clean sheet, and he could be protected by a quartet of Matty Cash (£16 million, BBC Sport) – who’s back from suspension – Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause and Matt Targett.

Hause did well against Burnley and it could be that Ezri Konsa – who missed out in midweek through illness – is lacking a bit of match fitness.

In midfield, Douglas Luiz (£15 million, BBC Sport) should come back into the side having served his one-game ban, and Smith may rotate and turn to young Jacob Ramsey, with John McGinn retaining his place.

The 19-year-old got a full 90 minutes against Wolves last weekend and impressed, and he has to be in contention here, although Conor Hourihane will also be in the frame.

The injured Ross Barkley missed out again in midweek, and if he does return against Albion it’s likely he’ll be lacking match fitness, so he could be put on the bench.

In attack, Anwar El Ghazi could get the nod having had many chances to score against Burnley. The Dutchman was wasteful against the Clarets, but took up some very good positions and will be absolutely determined to atone.

Jack Grealish could feature from the left, with Ollie Watkins through the middle. £78,000-a-week star Betrand Traore (Spotrac) could well be the man to drop out.