Aston Villa: Unai Emery must drop Morgan Rogers to solidify midfield v Arsenal
Despite a positive attacking performance v Lille, Unai Emery should drop Morgan Rogers against Arsenal to help Aston Villa be more defensively sound.
Last time out (11 April), the Villans secured a 2-1 Conference League quarter-final win against Lille but changes will still be necessary.
Moving back into Premier League action, Villa are continuing their Champions League qualification push with a trip to the Emirates Stadium.
The Villa faithful will be hoping for a better showing than their disappointing draw to Brentford but away to the title challengers, there will be no guarantees.
Should Unai Emery drop Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa?
In the game at Villa Park, Rogers certainly had some positive moments. With 100 per cent dribble success, three passes into the final third and one chance created [FotMob], he did look to get forward where he could.
On the flip side, he won just one tackle with a 50 per cent ratio, was dribbled past twice and lost two duels on the night.
Although he wasn’t directly at fault for any of the goals and didn’t get caught out, against tougher opposition he could be an issue.
This will be made even more blatant if Alex Moreno were to come into the starting XI as he likes to get forward where possible.
With Arsenal likely to have Bukayo Saka down their right flank, the wide midfielder and full-back are going to need to be on top form.
This could see Tim Iroegbunam come into the starting XI and John McGinn move out wide to provide some additional cover.
With him alongside Youri Tielemans in midfield dropping deeper, it could help the Villa deal with wave after wave of Arsenal attack.
The Gunners have scored eight in their last five in all competitions, while Villa have been suspect defensively.
This change may prove to be useful to help stabilise the midfield and help out the back line.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery is expected to consider selling Tim Iroegbunman this summer amid growing transfer interest
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