Douglas Luiz & Watkins dropped, Sanson starts - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Watford

After witnessing what he described as Aston Villa's worst performance since he took charge in November, Steven Gerrard is expected to make a few changes to his line-up for Watford on Saturday.

Gerrard, 41, explained how "everything" was wrong with Villa's performance up at St James' Park three days ago, while right-back Matty Cash said it was a case of "going back to the drawing board" with Villa picking up just one win in their last seven.

With tweaks expected in an attempt to get back to winning ways, looks at the options facing Gerrard as he looks for the right formula.

Emi Martinez's distribution was a little questionable last time out as the Argentinian attempted chipped passes out to Cash and Lucas Digne which were often gobbled up by Newcastle shirts. The 29-year-old will, however, start once again as he looks to rediscover a bit of form having shipped four goals in his last two matches.

Ahead of Martinez, it's looking likely that the same back four could be in place. Cash and Digne were below-par last weekend but, given the lack of real options to come in, the pair are expected to retain their places. Gerrard, meanwhile, was complimentary towards Tyrone Mings and Calum Chambers on Sunday, with the English duo having to do a lot of defending given the lack of protection in front of them. Kortney Hause is an option to come in and, while Chambers could move up to defensive midfield, Gerrard will want the ex-Arsenal man to build on his relationship with skipper Mings.

In midfield for Villa and one man who could do with being taken out of the firing line is Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian has completed all but 13 minutes of the last 11 matches and his form has dipped below the required standard.

Morgan Sanson