Leon Bailey to return as Unai Emery makes three changes- Aston Villa predicted XI v Lille
Unai Emery is predicted to reinstate Leon Bailey to the Aston Villa starting XI v Lille in the Conference League as he makes three changes after the 2-0 win against Arsenal on Sunday (14 April).
The Jamaican was dropped and used as an impact sub at the Emirates and that proved to be a stroke of genius as he scored off the bench.
His form this season has been superb and he could come back in to play his role in the Conference League quarter-final away from home with Emery likely to axe ex-Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers to the bench.
Despite an excellent performance against Arsenal, Emery could opt to make changes as he looks to keep the squad fresh for the run-in.
After pulling off a world-class save against Arsenal, Emi Martinez can expect to maintain his spot in the Conference League. According to FotMob, he made four saves and was able to prevent 1.98 xG against one of the best attacking sides in the Premier League.
The defence was the standout feature of the performance against Arsenal which began with the goalkeeper but continued into the back four.
Ezri Konsa proved to be the better right back on the pitch as he won 75 per cent of his duels and had a 91 per cent pass rate having made 32 [FotMob]. He will more than likely reprise his place in the starting XI v Lille.
Although Pau Torres was on top form once again at The Emirates, it was Diego Carlos who stood out. 92 per cent pass accuracy and nine defensive actions, he was superb as the Villans kept a clean sheet for the first time this month. They could keep their places in the starting XI in the quarter-final crunch match.
At left back, both Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne played a role as Villa scored their two against the Gunners. Digne performed well and got an assist last time out but is certainly deserving of a rest.
Bailey to retake his starting XI place for Aston Villa
On the right-hand side, Bailey will be hopeful that he can come back into the Aston Villa starting XI, ahead of Morgan Rogers, after dropping to the bench against Arsenal. According to FotMob, in a half-hour cameo, he was able to get on the scoresheet and contribute well defensively with three duels won.
On the opposite flank, despite Nicolo Zaniolo doing well, his place may be vacated to allow Douglas Luiz to come back in. The Englishman completed three dribbles and won seven duels [FotMob] to help fight from the front away from home.
The midfield pairing should stay as is. Youri Tielemans and John McGinn were both superb against Arsenal and played as big a part as anyone in the win. The Belgian in particular was top quality as he provided an assist and also smashed the post.
In an attacking role, Moussa Diaby will be hopeful of maintaining his role in the side after a solid performance once again. 100 per cent tackle success summed up what he did so well in working hard for his teammates [FotMob].
The man of the moment, Watkins scored once again against Arsenal and should keep his place due to his importance. 4 duels won and 73 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob] was enough to keep Villa ticking and was so close to having two goals on the day.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has tipped Nicolo Zaniolo to “assess his options” ahead of a permanent transfer this summer
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