Aston Villa predicted XI vs Leicester: Matty Cash returns in a 4-2-3-1 | OneFootball

Aston Villa will aim to maintain their formidable nine-game unbeaten streak at Villa Park when they host Leicester City in a Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon. As the Villans set their sights on European qualification for next season, they face a Leicester side grappling with a perilous losing streak and the looming threat of relegation. With both teams having much at stake, this encounter promises to be a captivating battle.

Aston Villa news: Suspensions, injuries, and key changes

Unavailability looms large for Aston Villa, with Morgan Rogers suspended after accruing his fifth yellow card in the thrilling 2-2 draw with Brighton. Adding to the headaches, Colombian forward Jhon Duran will continue to serve his three-match suspension for a prior incident of violent conduct, leaving Villa shorthanded in attack.

In defence, Spanish centre-back Pau Torres will be absent for two months due to a foot injury suffered last weekend, prompting Diego Carlos to step in alongside Ezri Konsa at the heart of the defence. The versatile Konsa will move back to his preferred centre-back role, while Matty Cash is expected to reclaim his right-back position.

Villa's midfield setup could also see a fresh face, with Amadou Onana likely to replace the underperforming Boubacar Kamara. Youri Tielemans is set to bring experience to the central midfield, while Jacob Ramsey will slot into the starting XI to cover Morgan Rogers' absence. Leon Bailey, fresh off an excellent showing against Brighton, joins captain John McGinn in supporting striker Ollie Watkins, who will lead Villa's attack against Leicester's struggling backline.

Leicester City: Battle for survival

Leicester City, managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy, arrive at Villa Park under intense pressure after four consecutive Premier League losses. Their latest defeat, a 2-0 loss to reigning champions Manchester City, has left Leicester just two points adrift of safety in the relegation zone.

Compounding their struggles is an increasingly concerning injury list. Defensive stalwart Ricardo Pereira is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Wilfred Ndidi (thigh) and goalkeeper Mads Hermansen (groin) have also been ruled out.

A glimmer of hope comes in the possible return of Wout Faes, although Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard are expected to maintain their pairing in central defence.

In attack, veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who has scored six league goals this season, remains Leicester’s main source of hope. He may be joined by Jordan Ayew, who returns from suspension to reinforce their forward line. Meanwhile, the creative burden will fall on Bilal El Khannous as Leicester desperately seek to halt their downward spiral.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Score prediction

Aston Villa's impeccable form at Villa Park places them as strong favourites to take all three points in this contest. Leicester, though desperate for a turnaround, may struggle to contain Villa's vibrant attacking unit. While the Foxes will fight valiantly, Villa's momentum and quality in front of goal suggest another resounding win for the hosts.