Unai Emery must sub on 76% Jacob Ramsey at HT if he wants Aston Villa win v Chelsea
Aston Villa are flying high in the Premier League under talented manager Unai Emery, with the Midlands club sitting fourth in the table.
They are also into the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League after topping their group, but all of their focus is now on the FA Cup.
Villa have made it hard work for themselves in that competition, having drawn 0-0 with Premier League rivals Chelsea in their fourth round clash last month.
That goalless draw has now forced a replay at Villa Park on Wednesday (7 February), with the hosts 2-0 down at the break after goals from Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson.
Emery has a lot of decisions to make at half-time of this clash, one of which should be to bring on young star Jacob Ramsey.
Ramsey to save Aston Villa?
It was a substitution that the manager made in the 5-0 win against Sheffield United on Saturday (3 February), and the 22-year-old did not disappoint.
In his 45 minutes at Bramall Lane, Ramsey completed 76% of his passes, won four of his six duels and completed two of his three dribble attempts, as well as chipping in with one tackle and one blocked shot [Sofascore].
The attacking star has been limited to just 17 appearances in all competitions this season due to injury, but he now represents a superb option having returned to full fitness.
Aston Villa are desperately needing a creative spark if they are to find the net against the Blues, never mind come from two goals down.
And Ramsey can provide that spark, with the versatile youngster able to operate in several different roles, meaning Emery can withdraw any attacker or indeed midfielder he wants at the break.
Chelsea are undoubtedly vulnerable at the back, having conceded eight goals in their last two matches before this one, losing 4-1 to Liverpool and 4-2 to Wolves.
In other Aston Villa news, an 85% star shone against Sheffield United, with Don Goodman dubbing him “electric.”
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