The wait is finally over, as Villa are the final side to get their Premier League season going. We find ourselves starting our campaign 9 days after many others, after our fixture against Man City was scrubbed due to their late European involvement.
There is a sense of inevitability about Sheffield United being our opening game, with the infamous Nyland / Hawk-Eye gaffe firmly seared into the minds of anyone with a passing interest in football.
This is a great first opportunity to put the challenges of last season behind us, with new signings and the visitors reeling from 2 defeats, now is the time.
KEY FACTS
- Villa come into the game off the back of wins over Burton (Carabao Cup) and Manchester United (Friendly).
- Sheffield Utd lost to Wolves (PL) and Burnley (Carabao Cup).
- New signings Emi Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins are expected to make league debuts for Villa.
- Villa’s top scorer last season: Grealish (8)
- See the latest Villa injury news here.
- Lys Mousset won’t feature for the visitors.
- Utd keeper Aaron Ramsdale conceded 2 in 6 minutes vs Wolves.
- Blades are unbeaten in 4 games vs Villa.
- However, they are on their worst successive losing run since 2014 (4).
- Wilder’s side also haven’t managed a PL away win in 6 attempts.
- Villa’s last opening day Premier League win was back in 2011.
- Nor have Villa managed a PL win in September since 2014.
- Watch: Sky Sports – Coverage from 5pm – Kick off = 6pm (GMT)
VILLA TEAM NEWS
Here’s the confirmed Villa starting XI to face Sheffield United at Villa Park:
(GK) Martinez
(DEF) Cash
(DEF) Konsa
(DEF) Mings
(DEF) Targett
(MID) McGinn
(MID) Luiz
(MID) Hourihane
(MID) Trezeguet
(MID) Grealish (Captain)
(ATT) Watkins
On The Bench:
Steer, Elmo, Hause, Taylor, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Davis.
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