Time moves quickly in football as Villa find themselves on the road again after a VAR tainted defeat at Liverpool.
The trip to Carrow Road comes as Villa battle injury and sudden Covid infections in the camp; which risks destabilising a very steady start to the Steven Gerrard era.
Norwich have it all to do if they are to survive this term, however, arguably have a greater chance with former Villa boss Smith at the helm.
Smith, who somehow kept Villa in the division in his first Premier League season after promotion, must fancy his chances looking at the other sides in the dogfight to stay up.
Villa will have to do without Nakamba who looks set for a long spell out after picking up a knee injury. The Zimbabwean has been a surprise stand-out disruptor in front of Villa’s defence and will be greatly missed.
Villa must simply look to build upon the defensive solidity of recent weeks. Konsa remains the eye catching figure at the heart of defence, with England international Mings’ a almost unsurpassable barrier at Anfield received deserved plaudits too.
Up front, this will mark a return for Norwich hero Buendia. The Argentine is really beginning to grow into his role after a club record move to Villa Park in the summer. He will be key to supplying any combination of Watkins and / or Ings.
Tonights is a great chance to get back to winning ways and kick on ahead of the festive fixtures.
TEAM NEWS
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings (C), Targett
McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Luiz, Young
Watkins