Pundit expects John McGinn to start for Aston Villa v Everton despite new ‘leggy’ admission
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
John McGinn is unlikely to get a rest at Aston Villa over the next few weeks, despite looking “leggy” during their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough, according to Alan Hutton.
The Scotsman made his 30th club appearance of the season during Villa’s third-round clash at The Riverside but didn’t look anywhere near his energetic best as he struggled to influence proceedings before being hooked after 70 minutes.
McGinn’s tired performance has seen a number of supporters and pundits call on Unai Emery to rest the 29-year-old over the January fixtures after a busy festive period.
While Hutton also agrees the midfielder wasn’t at his best against Boro, he believes that such fatigue is only natural at this stage of the season and has tipped McGinn to return to his usual level without a stint on the bench.
“They went really strong, to be honest,” Hutton told Villa News.
“Obviously Duran was up front, and Watkins obviously needs a rest but he still came on. Zaniolo came on, Diaby came on, they were very strong off the bench and starting which just shows you how seriously the manager is taking it.
“Of course John McGinn, he started the game and was unlucky, had a good effort but the way he plays at, at times, especially this time of year you’re going to look leggy. It’s just natural, it’s normal. He starts every game and he plays most of it so you’re going to feel that fatigue at some point.
“We’ll see in the upcoming weeks if he gets a rest – but he probably won’t. He probably just has to keep going and then you’ve got the Euros in the summer so it’s difficult for players. There are lots and lots of games to be played now so you do feel for them.
“But I know he looks after himself which is the main thing so moving forward he should be fine.”
In the Premier League this season, the Aston Villa midfielder has registered an impressive five goals and two assists as he has been an integral part of the climb up the Premier League table, both in and out of possession [Fotmob].
While Emery may not have given McGinn a rest in the FA Cup, the Premier League’s winter break means that the Scotsman will have 13 days to recover following Villa’s clash with Everton so that he is fit and ready to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Shearer has been left stunned by Douglas Luiz’s “pivotal” displays so far this season