Ezri Konsa should start as Pau Torres injury news emerges – Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea
Unai Emery is preparing his Aston Villa side to face Chelsea in the FA Cup Fourth Round on 26 January, after the news that Pau Torres, Jhon Duran and Jacob Ramsey will all miss out.
Birmingham Live journalist John Townley reported via his X account on 25 January that Torres stopped training after facing another setback with his ankle injury and Ramsey could return for the game against Sheffield United.
The Athletic, meanwhile, reports Duran has been ruled out for the next few weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the late stages of the clash against Everton at Goodison Park.
Emery should be expected to name a strong lineup given the level of their opponents and with hopes of progressing far in the FA Cup with possible silverware on the cards.
Emiliano Martinez should continue in goal as he did against Middlesbrough in the third round, with Clement Lenglet and Alex Moreno likely to keep their places in the back four.
Ezri Konsa started as a right-back at Goodison Park to combat Everton’s physicality but could return to the centre of defence to fill the Torres-shaped gap. His impressive display against Boro saw him record a 96 per cent passing accuracy, while his five clearances, two tackles and one interception rounded off his performance. [Sofascore]
Matty Cash should be set to return to his starting position on the right-hand side of the defence after his 14-minute cameo against Everton, where he completed two key passes and attempted two crosses.
In front of the back line, Emery could move back to his preferred two holding midfielders. The outgoing Leander Dendoncker will leave space for Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara to continue their partnership.
The pair combined against Everton to complete three key passes, five dribbles from six attempts, competing in 26 duels and making five tackles in a fantastic all-round display.
Captain John McGinn should occupy the more advanced midfield role once more, despite an underwhelming performance in the role during the Middlesbrough clash which saw him complete just 12 passes and win only two duels in 70 minutes.
In attack, both Ramsey and Duran will be changed after their injuries, despite featuring in the third round, and could be replaced by Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins respectively, both of whom started against Everton. The two have a combined 13 goals and 12 assists this season.
Finally, Leon Bailey could be dropped to the bench in favour of Nicolo Zaniolo, with the Italian having come on for his Jamaican counterpart in both of the last two games.
In other Aston Villa news, the club will have to hang on to a 20-year-old wonder after transfer news emerged.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.