Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brighton - Premier League
The Steven Gerrard era starts in earnest this weekend as Aston Villa welcome Brighton to Villa Park.
The former Rangers boss was appointed last week when the Villa hierarchy dismissed Dean Smith following the side's 1-0 defeat to Southampton prior to the international break.
Gerrard arrives from Scottish Premiership champions Rangers with Villa marooned in 16th place, having lost five straight games since their victory at Old Trafford in September.
Here's how the former Liverpool captain could line his side up for the first time.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Brighton - Premier League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Emiliano Martinez (GK) - Gerrard will be pleased that he's inheriting an excellent goalkeeper.
Matty Cash (RB) - Fresh off representing Poland for the first time on international duty, he should be full of confidence on his return to league action.
Ezri Konsa (CB) - Suspended for Dean Smith's farewell game after being sent off against West Ham, the 24-year-old should return to the centre of defence.
Tyrone Mings (CB) - Top of Gerrard's priorities will be helping the England international to rediscover his swagger in defence.
Matt Targett (LB) - Could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Gerrard's arrival given his emphasis at Rangers on deliveries from the full-backs.
2. Midfielders
John McGinn (CM) - Shone on international duty with Scotland, although his performances tailed off for Aston Villa towards the end of Smith's reign.
Jacob Ramsey (CM) - Aston Villa's injury issues in midfield may force Gerrard to start the 20-year-old, which would delight the Villa Park faithful.
Emi Buendia (AM) - Hasn't quite hit the ground running in Aston Villa colours, but a change of manager could do him good.
3. Forwards
Leon Bailey (RW) - Scored against Gerrard's Rangers for Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League in 2019/20.
Danny Ings (ST) - Missed the defeat at Southampton and it will be a test for Gerrard to find a solution to the problem of playing Ings and Watkins together.
Ollie Watkins (LW) - Another player whose form has dipped this season, although he suits playing more centrally than he has for much of this campaign.