Aston Villa vs Sheffield United: Team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

The Blades play their first away match of the season in search of  all three points against a new-look Villa side that are opening their Premier League campaign.

Aston Villa vs Sheffield United: Team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch
Photo by Shaun Botterill via GettyImages
john-lupo
By John Lupo

Sheffield United seek their first win of the season on Monday night as they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.

The Blades are looking to rebound following a 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League opener as well as a midweek penalty shootout loss in the second round of the EFL Cup against Burnleywhile Villa open their top-flight campaign after a 3-1 triumph over Burton Albion in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Team news

Wesley and Bjorn Engels are expected to miss out for Aston Villa, while Emiliano Martinez is set to start straightaway in goal after signing from Arsenal with Matty Cash also likely to make his club debut. Sheffield United will be without Lys Mousset, while Simon Moore is doubtful.

Predicted line-ups

Aston Villa (4-3-3) Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish

Sheffield United (3-5-2) Ramsdale; O'Connell, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Lundstram, Norwood, Berge, Baldock; McGoldrick, McBurnie

Ones to watch

Ollie Watkins arrived from Brentford and was off the mark right away in Aston Villa's victory over Burton Albion, while captain Jack Grealish signed a new five-year contract before turning in a superb performance against the Brewers.

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Max Lowe, meanwhile, had a fine performance in his first game in a Sheffield United shirt against Burnley, with the former Derby County man assisting David McGoldrick's goal while also posing as a real threat at the left-wing back position.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Previous meetings

Sheffield United have lost just once in their last seven meetings against Aston Villa, with their last meeting being a controversial goalless draw at Villa Park. ​​​​​​​VAR denied Blades midfielder Oliver Norwood a goal after his free kick was gathered in by Villains goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who fell over the goal line.

The decision not only cost Sheffield United a potential European place, but also provided the margin Aston Villa needed to stay up at the expense of both AFC Bournemouth and Watford, who were ultimately relegated to the EFL Championship.​​​​​​​

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League on Monday, September 20th, with kick off set for 20:00 BST.