Aston Villa will be raring to go against Sheffield United after beating the drop against the odds last season. Dean Smith has reason to hope for better now after upgrading his improving defence with right-back Matty Cash and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Martínez is unlikely to get off to a worse start than Sheffield United’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who conceded twice within six minutes on his debut last week. The Blades need a sharper performance to keep out Ollie Watkins. He scored on his debut in the EFL Cup and was lethal for Brentford last term. Graham Searles
Monday 6pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue Villa Park
Last season 0-0
Referee Graham Scott
This season n/a
Odds H 9-5 A 9-5 D 9-4
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Nyland, Steer, Taylor, Lansbury, Hourihane, Jota, Elmohamady, Davis, Ramsey, Hause, Chrisene, Nakamba, Guilbert, Samata
Doubtful None
Injured Heaton (knee, Oct), Engels (quadriceps, unknown), Wesley (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y68 R1 (last season)
Form n/a
Top scorer Grealish 8 (last season)
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Subs from Foderingham, Bogle, Lowe, Ampadu, Burke, Jagielka, Berge, Rodwell, Sharp, Osborn
Doubtful None
Injured Moore (finger, unknown), Mousset (foot, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y2 R0
Form L
Top scorer n/a
