Nicolo Zaniolo axed, Jacob Ramsey and Leander Dendoncker start in four Unai Emery changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Everton
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery could be set to make four changes to his starting eleven when they host Everton at Villa Park in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
The Villans enter Wednesday’s Carabao Cup contest on home turf (27 September) fresh off an impressive 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday making two Premier League wins in a row to now sit sixth in the table with 12 points from a possible 18 on offer.
And the Spaniard will be looking to unleash an assault on the domestic cups this season which means he could name a strong starting line-up against the Toffees but with a number of changes to freshen up the team.
In goal, Emi Martinez is expected to continue between the sticks for the West Midlands outfit after a sensational individual performance against Chelsea on Sunday (24 September) where he registered an impressive four saves, recorded a 1.64 goals prevented while also registered 100% successful runs out of his goal.
The Argentinian once again proved his undisputed status as Emery’s number one and had it not been for him, Emery and his men would not have returned with the three points, but zero. Got to start.
In front of him, Emery will be looking for some continuity in his back-line but could be tempted to make one change at left-back with Alex Moreno handed his first start since his injury return in place of Lucas Digne.
Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa will be expected to keep their place at the heart of the Aston Villa defence to strengthen their harmony and relationship as they showcased their dominant selves in the win over Chelsea.
At right-back, the same goes for Matty Cash who will be expected to continue at full-back after Calum Chambers’ poor showing against Legia Warsaw in Thursday’s disappointing defeat.
In midfield, the former Villarreal and Sevilla manager could hand a rare start to Leander Dendoncker who will be looking to impress his manager and force himself into his thinking.
The Belgian still possesses all the attributes necessary to thrive in front of the Aston Villa defence and it’s why Emery may have chosen the decision to keep him after much interest over the summer, especially from Wednesday’s upcoming opponents. What better way to prove his worth and show Everton what they’re missing?
The Belgian international certainly pulled up some impressive defensive contributions last season, finishing the 2022/23 season in the 97th percentile for interceptions made by Premier League midfielders last season (1.88 per 90) as well as the top 1% of his counterparts for blocks (2.07 per 90) and passes blocked (1.68 per 90), such defensive numbers certainly makes him an underrated commodity at Villa Park. [FBREF]
Dendoncker should line up in midfield replacing Boubacar Kamara, with Douglas Luiz keeping his place at the expense of Youri Tielemans who may well be disappointed not to start this one. However, it’s a critical decision Emery will have to make leading up to the game.
In attack, Nicolo Zaniolo and John McGinn could face brutal axes after their uneventful performances at Stamford Bridge, especially the former.
The Italian international successfully completed just 60% of his passes, won just six of his 17 total duels at a disastrous rate of 35% and lost possession of the ball a whopping 21 times [SofaScore] in a lacklustre performance in the capital.
McGinn certainly did not impress either and his recent form since the international break may well become a cause for concern for Emery who could likely give a first start of the campaign to the returning Jacob Ramsey from injury lining up on the left-flank while Leon Bailey could come in on the right-wing with Moussa Diaby lining up behind Ollie Watkins who notched the elusive winner at Stamford Bridge and his first Premier League goal of the campaign.
A very timely one too. Lets see if he can go on a purple patch now, starting off against Everton on Wednesday. A game Emery will be desperate for a victory to move into the next round of the EFL Cup.
In other Aston Villa news, a new signing has already held crunch talks with Emery and a BBC Sport pundit has reacted.