Dean Smith is expected to make at least two changes to his Aston Villa XI for Sunday's Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace.

Ollie Watkins saw his 34-game starting streak come to an end on Thursday night through suspension, resulting in a rare outing for Keinan Davis.

However, the club's top goalscorer will return to the attack at Selhurst Park, resulting in his understudy dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Ahmed Elmohamady is also expected to take the place of Matty Cash after the right-back sustained a hamstring injury during the goalless draw with Everton.

A third alteration remains a possibility with Tyrone Mings picking up a knock during the closing stages against the Toffees.

While Smith has backed the centre-back to shake off the issue before kickoff at the weekend, Kortney Hause will be considered for a recall.

Jack Grealish provided Villa with a welcome boost earlier this week with a 19-minute outing as a substitute, his first appearance since the middle of February.

Despite Villa's lack of goals during his absence, Smith is unlikely to consider his key man for a starting role in London.

Jacob Ramsey is an alternative to Ross Barkley if Smith begins to look ahead to the next campaign.

Aston Villa possible starting XI: Martinez; Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz; Traore, Barkley, El Ghazi; Watkins

Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:

Written by
Darren Plant