Alex Palmer is handed his Premier League debut but skipper Sam Morsy and Leif Davis miss out with minor injuries as Town face Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Morsy picked up his problem earlier in the week, while Davis, who had started every Premier League game, suffered his knock in training yesterday.

January signing Palmer starts in goal with Aro Muric on the bench as Kieran McKenna makes four changes from the team which lost 2-1 at home Southampton a fortnight ago.

Conor Townsend makes his first league start for the Blues in place of Davis in what looks to be a wing-back role with Ben Johnson on the right. Dara O’Shea captains at the heart of the defence.

In central midfield, Jens Cajuste is partnered by Kalvin Phillips with Omari Hutchinson and Julio Enciso behind lone central striker Liam Delap.

For Villa, Ollie Watkins returns up front following a groin injury and Axel Disasi makes his debut at the back following his move from Chelsea, but Leon Bailey and Ezri Konsa drop out.

Recent signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio are on the bench, as is former Blues defender Tyrone Mings, who is over a knee problem, and two keepers, with Villa naming only eight subs.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Garcia, Kamara, Disasi, Digne, McGinn (c), Tielemans, Malen, Ramsey, Rogers, Watkins. Subs: Olsen, Zych, Bogarde, Maatsen, Mings, Asensio, Jimoh-Aloba, Rashford.

Town: Palmer, Tuanzebe, O’Shea (c), Greaves, Townsend, Phillips, Cajuste, Johnson, Hutchinson, Enciso, Delap. Subs: Muric, Godfrey, Woolfenden, Luongo, Taylor, Philogene, J Clarke, Broadhead, Hirst. Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside). VAR: Michael Oliver.

Photo: ITFC/Matchday Images

Cafe_Newman added 14:09 - Feb 15 COYB
2

ForrestsFingers added 14:16 - Feb 15 We need to have a proper go at Villa today, Their back line is weak through injuries plus they’ll have an eye on Liverpool on Wednesday. 3-1 Town
2

cpaz97 added 14:18 - Feb 15 Im pretty relaxed about Morsy and Davis missing this one as both been poor lately. Gives Townsend and Phillips a good chance. Townsend was very impressive against Liverpool second half and against Coventry. Wishing Alex Palmer a great league debut!
1

TimmyH added 14:34 - Feb 15 Morsy and Davis haven't been great of recent games so not that much of a miss, as mentioned Villa back line is weak so we have a chance. Need to start getting some points back on the board asap!
1

SpiritOfJohn added 14:35 - Feb 15 Our two best players in the McKenna era both out and yet we still look fairly strong. A sign of the progress made this season. A bit disappointed for Jack Clarke after last week's showing. Enciso must be tearing it up in training!
2

Bert added 14:41 - Feb 15 Plenty on the bench to give us a spark. We need to be on the front foot and defend well. We are capable of beating Villa.
1

ArnieM added 14:42 - Feb 15 So both players potentially picked up their injuries in training. High intensity trying session by any chance was it?
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Leejames99 added 14:56 - Feb 15 Great news, good team at last of Prem experience and new signings. COYB
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TimmyH added 15:01 - Feb 15 Still no Burgess in the matchday squad...disappointing.
0

blueboy1981 added 16:38 - Feb 15 Maybe this has become more of an excuse making post it noteboard incase we lose, which is the most likely of happenings. If we can’t beat Villa now with their current defence problems, then we have no hope of survival !
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