Albion seek to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa as they travel to Villa Park for an anxiously awaited clash against Unai Emery’s side.

This is what they can expect to find, writes Anujit Vijayakumar.

Villa employ a high line with a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne.

It bodes them well to disrupt opposition build up and assist in minimising central progression with Digne and Torres in particular, capable of finding their midfielders and forwards when pressured, exuding composure, and poise on the ball. However, the defence’s lack of awareness, failure to track runners and lack of positional IQ makes them susceptible to opposition forwards running in behind.

The midfield trinity of Douglas Luiz, captain John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara have been vital to the foundations established by Emery.

Off the ball, the Spaniard instructs the trio to neutralise progression, marking, tackling players, and intercepting plays, and regaining possession through employing a compact mid-block.

In possession, Luiz and Kamara are tasked with the responsibility of dictating tempo, carrying the ball to create space, and finding their wingers.

McGinn’s role is more advanced as he often crashes the box to create goal scoring opportunities in addition to undertaking the general duties as a midfielder.

Villa’s attack in the league has been relatively unchanged with the 51-year-old manager opting for Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Ollie Watkins.

Diaby and Zaniolo’s arrivals have been immense for Ollie Watkins, with the English striker greatly benefitting from the pair.

Watkins has etched his mark in each of his prior three appearances against Albion.

Diaby’s directness, link-up play, dribbling and vision makes him a threat on the flanks as well as when deployed centrally.

Zaniolo’s shooting, anticipation, off-ball movements and ball manipulation amongst other skills has entitled him to cement his name on the team sheet.

Emery’s arrival along with his tactical adeptness and fluidity has transformed what was an ailing Villa side under Steven Gerard.

Although the former Liverpool’s captain stint with the club was rather short-lived, his debut 2-0 victory as manager against Albion put the wheels in motion for Villa’s recent dominance over the Seagulls.

Albion have lost four straight Premier League meetings in the recent past.

Their clash today will provide an invaluable opportunity for De Zerbi and his side to gain redemption.