Youri Tielemans axed as Unai Emery makes Moussa Diaby decision – Aston Villa predicted XI v Arsenal
Youri Tielemans could be set to be axed from the Aston Villa starting lineup ahead of the game against Arsenal on Saturday (9 December).
The Belgian international has started the past two Premier League matches, with his most recent outing coming in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday (6 December).
The 26-year-old midfielder put in a solid performance against the Citizens, but he could fall victim to the rotation Unai Emery has been opting for over the past few matches as he manages Villa’s hectic schedule.
With that in mind, the Spanish boss is predicted to make three changes to his starting lineup for the Premier League leaders’ visit to Villa Park.
Emiliano Martinez will once again start in goal after he put in a commanding display against Man City, where he made two crucial saves in quick succession to deny Erling Haaland and recorded a 90 per cent pass accuracy [SofaScore].
Matty Cash will replace Diego Carlos in the backline as part of Emery’s freshen-up after the experienced centre-back won just two of his five duels on Wednesday.
That means Ezri Konsa, who played at right-back against the Citizens, will move into central defence. The 26-year-old won all six of his duels in what was a commanding display from him.
He will be partnered in the heart of the defence by Pau Torres, while Alex Moreno will return in place of Lucas Digne as the pair continue to share the minutes at left-back.
Boubacar Kamara made two tackles and three interceptions against Man City, meaning he is a certain start in midfield alongside Douglas Luiz after the Brazilian made four key passes himself, suggesting he could be the man to open up Arsenal at the weekend.
After his excellent performance on Wednesday, Leon Bailey will look to continue his impressive form as he shifts to a position on the right-hand side of the attack. He scored the only goal of the game in midweek after recording three shots on target.
Moussa Diaby will return to the starting lineup after sitting on the bench for the past two games, with Tielemans dropping out despite his decent showing against the Manchester club, where he was successful with both of the dribbles he attempted for a 100 per cent success rate.
John McGinn will captain the side once again and he will start off the left-hand side and look to drift into the middle of the pitch. The midfielder will be looking to improve on his 66 per cent pass accuracy from midweek against the Gunners.
That means Ollie Watkins will once again be the man charged with leading the line. The forward will be looking to be more involved after having just 26 touches of the ball against Man City.
In other Aston Villa news, one player is now surely out of the picture after he was snubbed by Emery against Man City.