On Sunday, 23 August 2026, Aston Villa travelled to the American Express Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League’s opening match of the 2026-27 season. Manager Unai Emery named a strong squad, but two key names were missing from the starting XI and the substitutes’ bench: striker Ollie Watkins and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Matchday 1 Lineup

Emiliano Buendía, normally a midfielder, was deployed as the lone striker. Young George Hemmings started on the left wing, while captain John McGinn took the right-hand side. Ross Barkley filled the No. 10 role, with Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamare forming a two-man midfield. The back four comprised Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen and Matty Cash. Marco Bizot started between the posts, replacing the absent Martinez.

Watkins’ Absence Explained

Watkins was omitted from the matchday squad as his future at Villa has become uncertain. He has been strongly linked with a move away from the club during the summer transfer window. Initial interest from Manchester United and Arsenal has been reported, and Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League is said to have made an offer. In a pre-match press conference, Emery said: “We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him. He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.”

Martinez’s Future Uncertain

The Argentine goalkeeper also fell outside the squad after signalling a desire to leave Villa. Martinez had reportedly been close to a move to Juventus, a deal that fell through at the last minute. Emery confirmed that Martinez had expressed a wish for a new challenge and that the club had signed Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement. Until a resolution is reached, Martinez remains excluded from the matchday roster.

The game itself saw Villa adapt to the absence of two senior players, relying on a reshuffled lineup that highlighted the club’s depth. The match ended with no changes to the starting XI, and the focus remains on Watkins’ potential exit and Martinez’s uncertain future as Villa prepares for the next fixture.