Anthony Onifade

Thu 11 January 2024 17:10, UK

Unai Emery could be set to make three changes to his Aston Villa XI when they face off against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Villans make the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday (14 January) fresh off their late FA Cup third-round win over Middlesbrough thanks to a late Matty Cash goal at the Riverside Stadium (6 January).

Emery’s men don’t play again until 27 January when they face off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the next round of the FA Cup so the Spaniard will certainly be putting out his best possible line-up on Merseyside.

Emiliano Martinez is expected to keep his usual spot in goal having enjoyed a rather comfortable evening against Boro, being forced into just one save all game but also successfully completing 86 per cent (SofaScore) of his passes but will certainly be called into action in what will be rampant and tough atmosphere at Goodison Park.

In defence, Matty Cash should keep his place after a sensational match-winning display against Michael Carrick’s men, one which blew away BBC pundit Dion Dublin (BBC Sport, 6 January).

He was handed a SofaScore rating of 8.8, which was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, having come out on top in seven out of his 12 duels throughout the game.

Cash made five tackles, two clearances and two interceptions, whilst also completing 89 per cent of his passes, two key passes, found a teammate with 50 per cent of his crosses to go with his winner.

The Pole has largely been on the periphery in recent weeks but should be rewarded with his second consecutive start.

Ezri Konsa should also continue at centre-back and could yet see his regular defensive partner Pau Torres return to the team to replace Clement Lenglet who was largely unconvincing on Teeside.

The Barcelona loanee completed 40 per cent of his ground duels, won just one tackle and interception, dribbled past once and gave away two needless fouls which led to a booking.

Torres hasn’t started since the 2-1 win over Brentford on 17 December due to injury but should be fit for Sunday’s clash with Everton, and Emery must decide between the Spaniard and Diego Carlos who will form a defensive line-up with Cash, Konsa and Alex Moreno.

In the Aston Villa midfield, Boubacar Kamara made a timely return in the FA Cup with a stunning individual display against Middlesbrough, winning a whopping ten of his individual ground duels, completing 88 per cent of his passes, 66 per cent of his long balls, and won 66 per cent of his aerial duels in a bullish display at the heart of the midfield.

The Frenchman’s return in such a manner is a welcome boost for Emery and midfield partner Douglas Luiz who has been rather exposed defensively in his absence but the two should start at the base again at Goodison Park.

John McGinn should return to his customary auxiliary role on the left flank after a rather disappointing display against Middlesbrough where he was impressively ushered out of the game by Carrick’s tactics.

The Scot was limited to just 29 touches, as per FotMob, against Boro at Riverside Stadium – night and day between his average of 48.4 touches in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore.

Without the possession on his side, McGinn was forced to fend for himself. He only won 25 per cent of his ground duels (2/8), lost 100 per cent of his tackles and was dispossessed twice.

Emery’s trials of the Scot in differing midfield roles haven’t worked of late and it’s best he deploys him on the left flank again where he’s played his best football this season.

On the right, Leon Bailey should start despite his unconvincing display against Middlesbrough but the Jamaican still managed two key passes, one big chance created and his goalscoring form of three goals and two assists in his last six games makes him undroppable right now.

Moussa Diaby may well be gearing up to start in behind Ollie Watkins against Everton but Emery will likely keep Jacob Ramsey in the team after he rediscovered some of his best self on Teeside, recording three key passes, completing 100 per cent of his long balls and won seven of his 15 ground duel attempts (SofaScore).

Emery should bring back Watkins into the lineup to replace Jhon Duran who certainly looked lively against Middlesbrough but without any real cutting-edge threat, recording three shots on target without a goal.

In other Aston Villa news, Emery has handed one “highly-rated” youth star the perfect chance to develop with a new loan switch