Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea: Unai Emery to make Douglas Luiz call, two changes
Unai Emery is predicted to reinstate Douglas Luiz to the Aston Villa starting XI v Chelsea as he makes two changes after the 3-1 win against Bournemouth on Sunday (21 April).
The Brazilian was yellow carded against Brentford which saw him suspended for two matches but he is now ready to return to the side.
His form this season has been superb and there is no doubt that he is deserving of a place in the starting XI.
Despite winning last time out at Villa Park, Emery will not be afraid to make changes to keep his side fresh for the run-in.
He didn’t have much to do as the Bournemouth game went on but when called upon Emi Martinez was on top of his game. The Argentine made four saves [FotMob] including one spectacular dive to keep out Justin Kluivert early on. Martinez can expect to keep his spot in the starting XI.
The left-hand side of the defence chooses itself at the moment with Lucas Digne and Pau Torres being the best options for Emery.
At right back, Matty Cash could be dropped after giving away a penalty against the Cherries. He won just 20 per cent of his duels as he gave away three fouls [FotMob]. This could see Ezri Konsa slot across to cover his position.
Returning to centre back, Diego Carlos could come back in for Cash. Despite not featuring since, the Brazilian was superb against Arsenal. He had a 92 per cent pass accuracy and made nine defensive actions throughout, according to FotMob.
Douglas Luiz set to make Aston Villa Premier League return
The midfielder has only featured in Conference League matches in the last three weeks which has given him some much-needed rest. He has played 2,666 league minutes this season so this may prove to be vital in the run in [FotMob].
Alongside him, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are likely to keep their places after excellent performances against Bournemouth. The Scot won 100 per cent of his tackles at Villa Park on Sunday (21 April) while the Belgian had a 92 per cent pass accuracy rate [FotMob].
This will likely see Morgan Rogers drop out of the starting XI despite his great form and superbly taken goal.
Leon Bailey has been one of the standouts in the Villa squad and will be hopeful of keeping his starting XI role. Last time out he grabbed a goal and an assist and was just on top form once again, as he has been all season.
Moussa Diaby was another goalscorer and could keep his place in the side. 91 per cent accuracy and 75 per cent duel success [FotMob] were representative of his industrious performance up and down the pitch.
It is almost nailed on that Ollie Watkins will be selected by Emery to start v Chelsea. Despite not scoring, he was superb against Bournemouth as he grabbed two assists. He is desperate for that 20th Premier League goal and will hope to grab it against the Blues.
In other Aston Villa news, Alisha Lehmann could depart Aston Villa Women as three foreign clubs show interest.
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