Aston Villa predicted XI v Ajax: Unai Emery to axe Youri Tielemans after shocker, two changes
After a disastrous performance in the 4-0 defeat against Tottenham, Unai Emery should make a double change to his Aston Villa side, as well as a formation change, ahead of the clash v Ajax.
One player who could be up on the chopping block is Youri Tielemans, although he is just one of several players who turned in awful displays at Villa Park and could drop out of the side.
Emery’s restricted squad due to injuries and suspensions does not leave him with much room for manoeuvre as he must still name a strong side to progress in Europe, with his bench providing few options to turn to.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Ajax
Emi Martinez was powerless to stop Spurs’ attackers as he shipped for goals at the weekend, making just one save and one high claim while recording just a 73 per cent passing accuracy as he could not help his team. He will, however, most likely keep his starting place. [Sofascore]
Other players who could avoid the axe should be Clement Lenglet and Pau Torres at the centre of defence, despite winning a combined two of seven ground duels as they failed to stem the tide of the Tottenham attack.
One centre-back of the back three in play against Tottenham will have to drop out, and with Ezri Konsa suspended, he will be the one to make way.
At right full-back, Matty Cash will likely take the place of the suspended Konsa following his red card in the reverse leg. Cash won seven of 15 ground duels, made four tackles and drew three fouls against Spurs.
On the left, it’s a toss-up between Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, but the Frenchman could keep his place after helping Villa to keep a clean sheet in Amsterdam with two interceptions, two clearances and a 50 per cent duel success rate.
In midfield, John McGinn should feature despite his red card in the Premier League, with this game the only one he will be able to feature in of the next four. Alongside him should be Douglas Luiz who picked up two key passes and a 100 per cent
Youri Tielemans starting alongside that pairing in midfield at Villa Park, but should be hooked after recording just seven passes, with a 0 per cent accuracy on long passes, in 58 minutes.
Aston Villa attackers to steal the show v Ajax
Going forward, Emery could switch back to his 4-4-2 lineup from the 5-3-2 deployed against Tottenham, which would allow a more attack-minded lineup to start on the front foot.
With that in mind, Moussa Diaby and Morgan Rogers could be chosen to start out wide as they did in Amsterdam, where Rogers completed five of six attempted dribbles while Diaby picked up one key pass and one shot on target. [Sofascore]
Ollie Watkins should keep his regular place as the main striker thanks to his 26 goal contributions domestically this season, alongside Leon Bailey, who started in the slightly unfamiliar position against Spurs and could be asked to do so again here.
Emery will be looking to progress in the competition despite the level and reputation of his opponents, and despite a small squad meaning not much can be changed, he will be hoping for a turnaround from the nightmare performance last time out.
In other Aston Villa news, an “unthinkable” Emery claim has been made.
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