Aston Villa team news: Midfielder starts up front at Brighton
Unai Emery has named his first XI of the season.
Villa’s lack of existing forward options was laid bare before Sunday’s Premier League opener at Brighton - with midfielder Ross Barkley named up front.
Barkley is expected to lead the line at the Amex Stadium with boss Unai Emery having no fit or available striker in the ranks.
Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham are both sidelined with injury, while Ollie Watkins has only just returned to training following the World Cup and is the subject of serious interest from Al-Hilal.
That has created a situation where Emery was left with little option but to name a team with a midfielder up front.
Joao Gomes has made a quicker return to fitness than expected to boost Villa.
The £35million summer signing from Wolves is the only new arrival to start, with goalkeeper Zion Suzuki named on the bench and Marco Bizot starting between the sticks.
Matteo Ruggeri and Alejandro Garnacho are also among the substitutes.
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