Fit-again John McGinn returned to make his first Premier League outing since December as Aston Villa resumed Premier League action against Sheffield United at Villa Park.
The Scotland international midfielder was named in Dean Smith’s starting XI to face the Blades, six months after suffering a fractured ankle.
Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was recalled between the sticks for the club’s first fixture since mid-March’s defeat at Leicester, marking the return of top-flight football following its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There was also a first Premier League start for forward Keinan Davis in attack, replacing Ally Samatta.
Smith named nine substitutes on the bench in line with new regulations, with the Villa Head Coach able to make five changes.
Villa: Nyland, Konsa, Hause, Mings, Targett, McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane, El Ghazi, Davis, Grealish (c).
Subs: Reina, Taylor, Nakamba, Trezeguet, Borja, Samatta, Jota, Elmohamady, Vassilev.
