We return to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon with a chance to make it four wins on the bounce across all competitions. After a stuttering start to the season, Unai Emery’s side are beginning to find their rhythm—and Burnley, struggling near the foot of the table, arrive at just the right time.
Villa’s early-season form was far from convincing. Just three points from the opening five Premier League fixtures had supporters fearing a hangover from last term’s promise. Draws against Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland were sandwiched between defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace, and a limp exit from the EFL Cup at the hands of Brentford only added to the gloom.
But Emery has steadied the ship. A 3-1 win over Fulham last weekend was followed by a professional 2-0 victory away to Feyenoord in the Europa League—Villa’s third straight win and a sign that the side is rediscovering its edge.
Despite the recent upturn, Villa still sit 16th in the league table. One win from six is not where this squad should be, given its depth and ambition. Sunday’s clash with Burnley offers a chance to climb, to build, and to turn Villa Park into the fortress it once was.
Burnley, meanwhile, are in trouble. Scott Parker’s men have taken just four points from six matches and were thumped 5-1 by Manchester City last time out. They’ve lost four of their last five in all competitions and have the joint-second worst defensive record in the league. Their last win at Villa Park? A 1-0 smash-and-grab in 2015.
Villa have history on our side, unbeaten in their last four against the Clarets, including a 3-2 thriller here in December 2023. And with Buendia back among the goals, McGinn leading by example, and Watkins looking sharper, there’s reason for optimism.
Team News
Villa will be without Ross Barkley, Onana and Tielemans (both doubts), while Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Emi Martinez is also a doubt after picking up a knock in the warm-up against Feyenoord, so Marco Bizot is expected to continue in goal.
Buendia, fresh from scoring in back-to-back games, is likely to start in the No. 10 role, flanked by Morgan Rogers and Evann Guessand. Ollie Watkins will lead the line, with McGinn and Kamara anchoring midfield.
Burnley are missing Zeki Amdouni, Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts through injury. Jaidon Anthony has been their standout performer, with four goals in six appearances, and will be key to any hopes of an upset. Lyle Foster is expected to start up front, with Josh Cullen captaining from midfield.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2–1 Burnley
Villa should have enough to get the job done, even with the short turnaround from Thursday’s European fixture. Burnley may look to sit deep and frustrate, but their defensive frailties are hard to ignore. Expect Villa to dominate possession, create chances, and—if they’re clinical—take all three points.
It won’t be easy. It rarely is. But with confidence growing and Villa Park behind them, Emery’s men are well placed to keep the momentum rolling.
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