How Aston Villa could line up against West Bromwich Albion

By Ben Knapton | 23 Apr 2021 13:40, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will have to cope without Jack Grealish once again for his side's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday evening.

The England international is yet to overcome a troublesome calf problem and Smith has ruled him out of this game - a major blow to the inconsistent hosts who continue to struggle without their talisman.

Villa will also line up for this derby without the suspended Matty Cash, who was sent off in their midweek loss to Manchester City, so Ahmed Elmohamady ought to fill on in an otherwise unchanged rearguard.

John McGinn took just 20 seconds to open the scoring against Man City and will man the engine room with Douglas Luiz once more, but an attack-minded change from Smith could see Marvelous Nakamba make way as Ross Barkley hopes to turn his fortunes around.

Morgan Sanson is not expected back from a knee issue just yet, and Trezeguet is set to miss the rest of the season, but one change in the final third could see Anwar El Ghazi - who netted twice in December's 3-0 win over West Brom - return for teenage starlet Jacob Ramsey.

Smith has also revealed the good news that Wesley is in contention to feature after nearly 16 months on the sidelines, but Ollie Watkins will continue up top as he aims to bag a goal or assist for the fourth Premier League game running.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz; Traore, Barkley, El Ghazi; Watkins

> Click here to see how West Brom could line up for this clash