Sanson and Young start in three changes - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Watford

Steven Gerrard could be set to make changes to his Aston Villa starting XI against Watford after his critical assessment of his team's performance against Newcastle United last weekend.

Kieran Trippier's free-kick saw Villa fall to a 1-0 defeat.

Gerrard, 41, explained how "everything" was wrong with Villa's performance up at St James' Park on Sunday, 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.

Gerrard will now be looking how to get back to winning ways as Villa host relegation-threatened Watford, a game which is being billed by some sections of fans as a 'make or break' for the remainder of the season.

As the Villa squad step up their final preparations for the encounter, 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