Aston Villa travel to face Middlesbrough in round three of the FA Cup this weekend as they look to progress. Here’s our predicted XI.

In recent years, Aston Villa have done poorly in the FA Cup having not won in the tournament since 2016 against Wycombe.

Even under Unai Emery, Villa struggled as last year they suffered an embarrassing defeat to Stevenage at Villa Park.

With the Villans now sitting in second place in the Premier League after a great campaign, there are high expectations. Even if that may be the case, the league and Europa Conference League need to take priority. As a result, some changes are likely.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted XI ahead of the third-round FA Cup clash this weekend.

Aston Villa Predicted XI

Although Emi Martinez usually takes up the mantle as the Villa keeper in Europe, a change may be likely. After starting against Zrinjski Mostar, Filip Marschall could be in line to make his second-ever Villa start vs Middlesbrough.

The back line is a tough one to choose in our predicted XI. With Lucas Digne injured, Alex Moreno is going to start as left back with Matty Cash set to feature off the right. At centre back, it is unclear whether Pau Torres will be given chance to build up some match fitness or not. We suggest that Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet will keep their places. This is unless Calum Chambers or Josh Feeney are given a chance.

There is likely to be some rested players centrally with Douglas Luiz will likely miss out. In midfield for our predicted XI we have opted for Leander Dendoncker at the base alongside skipper, John McGinn. In wide areas, we think Jacob Ramsey should maintain his place while Nicolo Zaniolo comes in for Leon Bailey.

Up front, Ollie Watkins is deserving of a well-earned rest and as a result £18m signing, Jhon Duran should come in. Alongside him, It is hard to choose that second striker in our predicted XI but we suggest Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman has been in a rough patch of form and needs an opportunity to get back to his best. This FA Cup clash could be the perfect opportunity.

Aston Villa predicted XI: Marschall, Cash, Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno, Zaniolo, Dendoncker, McGinn, Ramsey, Duran, Diaby