View: Jhon Duran debut on the cards – Aston Villa predicted XI v Leicester City
Aston Villa host Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday 4 February as Unai Emery’s side look to close the gap to the top half of the table.
Villa are adapting to life with their top scorer Danny Ings, who completed his £15million move to West Ham United earlier this month.
That could well lead to Jhon Duran being thrown straight into contention due to injuries and Emery being eager to utilise his 4-4-2 system. Birmingham Live have even suggested (23 January) the 19-year-old could well be set to make his debut against the Foxes.
Unless another striker arrives before the transfer window shuts, Ollie Watkins is almost guaranteed to start. If Emery doesn’t feel Duran is quite ready to make his Premier League debut, then Leon Bailey could well partner the England international.
However, assuming that Duran does get a chance against the Foxes, Bailey could well operate in a wider role, with Jacob Ramsey also featuring in a more advanced position. If the Jamaican plays up front then Emi Buendia will likely start in one of the attacking roles due to John McGinn’s absence.
Villa have been linked with a move to Mattéo Guendouzi, but even if they do pull off a move, it seems unlikely the Frenchman will be thrown in ahead of Douglas Luiz or Boubacar Kamara.
Alex Moreno has made an impressive start to life at Villa Park and he will keep his left-back spot due to Lucas Digne’s injury. Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Ashley Young will complete the back four, with Emery clearly favouring the veteran defender over Matty Cash. Emi Martinez is nailed on to start in goal.
In other Aston Villa news, James Maddison is one to watch for the Villans in their next game.