3 ways in which Aston Villa can lineup in the upcoming season | Premier League 2019-20

2. 4-1-4-1

Dean Smith's most favoured formation at Aston Villa

Dean Smith is likely to revert to his 4-1-4-1 formation when facing the big boys of the Premier League. The English manager in his first year at Aston Villa used the 4-1-4-1 formation whenever the Villans needed a result on the road.

This formation will once again see Tom Heaton between the posts. The former Burnley man who joined Aston Villa this season could be one of the signings of the season after arriving at Villa Park for a rumoured fee of just £8 million.

In defence, Tyrone Mings will once again lead the line along with either of Ezri Konsa or Bjorn Engels. The 24-year-old Engels is likely to start along with Mings at defence in the first few matches after having had experience playing in the first division of French football with Reims.

Matt Targett is a sure starter at left-back with more experienced Neil Taylor likely to play back-up for the former Southampton man. Ahmed Elmohamady might get the nod ahead of Fredric Guilbert at right-back during the first few matches with Egyptian having already played in the Premier League with Sunderland and Hull City.

Douglas Luiz will most likely be the lone man just above the defensive line with Marvelous Nakamba unlikely to be used in the first few games due to his lack of experience in England.

Villa has a plethora of options in the midfield with play-off final goal scorers Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn sure starters. Dutch international El Ghazi will start on the right and McGinn in the centre. New arrival Trezeguet will start on the left while star-man Jack Grealish will partner McGinn in the centre of the midfield.

Wesley Moraes will be the lone striker at the top, tasked to lead the line.