Aston Villa will look to continue their quest for a place in the top four when they welcome Luton Town in the Premier League on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s men have been in red-hot form as they are coming on the back of two consecutive emphatic victories against West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar in the space of less than a week while bagging eight goals in those wins.
Meanwhile, Luton Town’s time in the Premier League after earning promotion has been direful, as they are just hovering above the relegation zone at 17th position, just a point ahead of Burnley.
However, their last away venture ended in a draw as they put on a valiant effort to turn a two-goal deficit into a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last week.
Aston Villa vs Luton Town Match Preview
Finishing inside European places last term, Villa are clearly on a mission to earn a place in the top four this season, as their performances suggest.
Since their heavy loss against Newcastle United in their league opener, followed by another big defeat to Liverpool in a few weeks, Villans haven’t turned back, wreaking havoc on whoever stood their way.
Unai Emery’s men have collected four victories in their last five league games while they have also been unstoppable in the Conference League.
Villa went toe to toe with West Ham United – another potential top-four contender – at Villa Park last week. While it looked like an evenly poised contest on paper, the Lions killed that notion by putting the Hammers to the sword, recording a 4-1 victory.
Another standout thing about Villans this season is they are winning the games with aplomb, such as the victories against Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and more recently, AZ Alkmaar.
To aid the fact, Villa have scored the second most number of goals (23) this season, just one goal behind Newcastle.
Ollie Watkins has been in exceptional form this season, netting five goals and assists apiece in the Premier League, with all the goals coming in the last four league outings.
Jamaican winger Leon Bailey has also found the nets for consecutive games, and he will look to continue his impressive run against Luton Town.
Meanwhile, the Hatters continue their search for the second win of the season, but they face an uphill task of thwarting Aston Villa, whose relentless run spells danger to the league’s newcomers.
However, Rob Edwards’ side will look to capitalise on their surprising away record – a win and a draw in their last two outings – and try to come out unharmed at Villa Park on Sunday.
Aston Villa vs Luton Town Team News
Emery has no new injury concerns, and the likes of Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa are expected to return to the starting eleven after being rested for the game against AZ.
Leon Bailey might sustain his spot after a string of commanding performances, with Watkins and Moussa Diaby completing the attack.
Meanwhile, Former Crystal Palace and Everton star Andros Townsend made his league debut for Luton Town last week, and it remains to be seen whether he will barge into the eleven for Sunday’s fixture.
Reece Burke is ruled out with injury, while Amari’i Bell is likely to return to the fold.
Aston Villa vs Luton Town possible lineups
Aston Villa potential starting XI
Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey; Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins
Luton Town potential starting XI
Thomas Kaminski; Teden Mengi, Tom Lockyer, Amari’I Bell; Issa Kabore, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Marvelous Nakamba, Alfie Doughty; Jacob Brown, Chiedozie Ogbene; Carlton Morris
We say: Aston Villa 3-0 Luton Town
Luton Town’s defence has been a let-down this season, and Aston Villa will look to exploit that. Moreover, the blistering form of Villa’s forwards could prove to be overwhelming for the visitors.
