Emery to axe defensive trio amid four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Burnley
Unai Emery could be set to make four changes as Aston Villa prepare to take on Burnley in the Premier League (30 December).
Following a frustrating 3-2 loss to Manchester United, with the Red Devils overturning a two-goal deficit, Emery could shake up the squad ahead of a clash with 19th-place Burnley.
The Villans will be eager to rectify their recent loss to Man United and 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, having missed the opportunity to be top of the league on Christmas Day.
Boubacar Kamara will serve the final match in his suspension after a red card against Brentford, with Matty Cash potentially returning to the starting XI after serving his one-match suspension due to picking up five yellow cards.
Tyrone Mings, Youri Tielemas and Bertrand Traore are all set to continue their stays on the sidelines, with the possibility of Lucas Digne joining them after being substituted on Tuesday. The Frenchman was injured while chasing back to defend against Alejandro Garnacho and sliding into the net.
However, Emery has been handed a boost, with Pau Torres fit enough to make the bench against Man United after recovering from injury, which could lead to a shake-up in defence.
Emiliano Martinez is expected to keep his usual spot in goal. It was a frustrating night for everybody in Villa’s last outing but the shot-stopper’s four saves kept the side from an even more embarrassing result. He also managed to maintain an impressive 94 per cent successful pass rate. [FotMob]
Despite picking up a late booking for a sliding challenge on Garnacho, Ezri Konsa was impressive while deputising at right-back but will be expected to move back into his preferred centre-back position with the rearrival of Cash.
The Englishman made 108 touches, maintaining an 81 per cent pass completion, and 75 per cent dribble succession, winning 67 per cent of his tackles and 85.5 per cent of the duels he entered – the most duels won out of anyone (11).
Pau Torres could come back into the side for the first time since the 2-1 victory over Brentford, which could see Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet demoted to the bench.
With Villa sweating over the fitness of Digne, Alex Moreno could start his second Premier League match of the season. The Spaniard is a good attacking replacement in the Frenchman’s position, boasting 75 per cent of his shots being on target.
Despite Leander Dendoncker’s brilliant display on Tuesday night, with a goal and 89 per cent pass completion, Emery may opt to push John McGinn back into central midfield to partner with Douglas Luiz, gaining more control against Burnley.
The Brazilian was Villa’s poorest performer on Tuesday, losing 100 per cent of his duels. So the match against Burnley will represent a chance at redemption.
Leon Bailey managed a 100 per cent shot accuracy against Man United but was unable to beat Andre Onana so will be hoping to get on the scoresheet against Burnley, with the Jamaican expected to keep his spot in the starting XI.
Jacob Ramsey will need to improve if he is to continue his run of games in the Villa side. With only a 67 per cent pass completion, 0 per cent of his tackles won and only 50 per cent of his ground duels won, it could be a final chance for the 22-year-old to convince Emery before he is replaced by Nicolo Zaniolo.
Ollie Watkins was a nuisance for the Man United backline but was unable to record a single shot while only winning 38 per cent of his duels on the ground or in the air, losing the most duels out of anyone on the pitch.
Moussa Diaby could be introduced back into the starting XI after being axed against Erik ten Hag’s side, which would offer the Aston Villa midfield more attacking threats to aim for.
In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster has shared something the Villa players must stop after an FA development has emerged.