Unai Emery delivers stroke of genius with Youri Tielemans decision as Aston Villa starting XI emerges v Chelsea
Unai Emery has delivered a stroke of genius for Aston Villa as Youri Tielemans is recalled for Friday’s FA Cup clash with Chelsea.
Aston Villa will be looking to record their third successive win at Chelsea after their 1-0 win on 24 September 2023 and a 2-0 triumph on 1 April 2023, when they face off against Mauricio Pochettino’s Carabao Cup finalists in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Villans confirmed their starting XI for the game at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening (26 January) with Emery making two changes from the side which drew 0-0 against Everton at Goodison Park (13 January).
Diego Carlos and Leon Bailey drop out of the team for Friday’s evening encounter with Tielemans given a timely recall to the team with Matty Cash, the hero of the third-round clash v Middlesbrough also recalled.
However, the Villa fans will be having their eye on how Tielemans fares for the visitors and Emery’s decision to bring him back in could prove a stroke of genius.
The Belgian must take this opportunity, having started just 11 of his 25 matches for the Villans so far this season, but appearing as an important player in several cameos.
Tielemans proved his quality when he started against Manchester City at the beginning of December, assisting the only goal of the game in a vital 1-0 victory over the current Premier League champions.
Starting as an attacking midfielder, supporting Ollie Watkins in the final third, the 26-year-old maintained a 77 per cent passing completion against one of the best teams in world football, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles, as well as aerial duels won. [FotMob]
Despite his lack of playing time, Tielemans has created two big chances and six chances for Villa, as well as completing 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes – the same as Douglas Luiz and Watkins. [FotMob]
Tieleman’s impact from the bench is also unmatched. He averages 1.1 interceptions per 90 minutes, the fourth-highest in the squad, but is also ranked the sixth-highest for fouls committed, showing his determination to be involved.
The Belgian international’s return from injury is very timely for Villa, especially with Leander Dendoncker leaving Villa Park and his midfield ingenuity and class could prove crucial for the Villans at Stamford Bridge.
Great decision by Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, AC Milan have made contact over the potential signing of Clement Lenglet this month
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