Alex Moreno to face axe amid Moussa Diaby call – Aston Villa predicted XI v Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is expected to make two changes to his starting XI to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday (24 February).
The Spaniard’s side impressed in their 2-1 win over Fulham last time out as a brace from Ollie Watkins ensured that Villa climbed back into the Champions League places, but he is expected to rotate his side slightly as he looks register back to back league wins for the first time since December.
Emery never likes to tinker with his starting XI too much, therefore he has been predicted to only make two changes to his side, with Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey both facing the axe ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Emi Martinez will once again keep his place between the posts having impressed at Craven Cottage. The Argentine stopper would have liked to have picked up a clean sheet, but his three saves and 83 per cent pass accuracy will see him keep his place [stats via Fotmob].
Ahead of him, Clement Lenglet will continue alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the back four. Villa have only lost two league matches when the Spanish centre-back has started and they’ll hope to maintain that impressive record against Forest.
While Matty Cash was far from his best against Fulham, failing to find a teammate with his only attempted cross and winning only one of his three duels, Ezri Konsa’s injury will see the Poland international continue at right-back.
However, Moreno will more than likely make way for Lucas Digne at left-back. The 30-year-old was incredibly wasteful at Craven Cottage failing to find a teammate with any of his three crosses while also committing two fouls.
In holding midfield, Douglas Luiz will once again be joined by John McGinn after the Scotsman impressed in a deeper role. McGinn completed 90 per cent of his attempted passes and won an impressive two tackles and seven ground duels in a combative performance.
McGinn’s deeper role leaves space for Yorui Tielemans to continue in a more advanced position after he picked up an assist last time out. The Belgian played a brilliant eight passes into the final third and managed an xG of 0.38 so will almost certainly retain his place.
Leon Bailey was unfortunate not to score against Marco Silva’s side as he struck the woodwork with one of his three attempts on goal and, while he was substituted early by Emery, the Jamaica international will almost certainly start again at Villa Park.
On the other wing, however, Emery seems set to make his second alteration, with Ramsey dropping to the bench in favour of Moussa Diaby after the 22-year-old failed to hit the target with either of his two efforts on goal.
Defensively, the academy graduate struggled as well, losing possession three times and only coming away with the ball in one of five attempted ground duels, finishing with a 20 per cent win rate.
That will leave Watkins to once again lead the line. The England international is averaging over a goal every other game this season, with 13 strikes in 25 appearances and has almost become undroppable at Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has tipped one unknown star at Villa Park to step into the fold after Kamara’s injury
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.