Exit-linked Clement Lenglet nailed on to start for Aston Villa v Sheffield United amid development
We’re delighted to welcome Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…
Clement Lenglet is nailed on to make his first Premier League start for Aston Villa against Sheffield United on Friday (22 December), according to Ty Bracey.
The French international, who has been linked with an early return to Barcelona after joining on loan in the summer, is yet to make a single league appearance for Villa, with his five outings all coming in the Europa Conference League.
But after Unai Emery confirmed Spanish centre-back Pau Torres is set to miss the game against the Blades, the 28-year-old could be in line to replace him in the heart of the defence at Villa Park.
Bracey believes the clash against the South Yorkshire club is an opportunity for Lenglet to show what he can do as he aims to earn more minutes in the Villans side this season.
Asked whether he thinks the defender will return to Barcelona in January, speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “No. I think he’s nailed on to get his first start tonight. Pau’s out injured, so I think he will get his first Premier League start.
“I think he wanted to go back potentially for more minutes, which I understand. You’re going out on loan, you want to play.
“You don’t want to sit on the bench because, otherwise, what’s the point in you going on loan? If you’re not getting minutes at Barcelona, you’re not going to get minutes at Villa.
“I think now is a time for him to show what he can do. You’ve got your perfect fixture tonight at Villa Park to make your Premier League debut for Villa.”
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared a “weird feeling” for the Villa fans ahead of the game against Sheffield United.