Unai Emery must trust Jhon Duran as Aston Villa look to complete Olympiacos comeback
Unai Emery has a decision to make between Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby as Aston Villa prepare to face Olympiacos in the Conference League semi-final second leg (9 May).
The Villans fell to a 4-2 defeat in the first game of the tie as Ayoub El Kaabi netted a 56-minute hattrick at Villa Park on Thursday 2 May.
Emery’s side have hit a rough patch of form which has seen them win just one of their last five games in all competitions. A defeat against Brighton last time out was frustrating as they created just 0.05 xG [FotMob].
With at least two goals needed to force a penalty shootout, Villa will need to step up their attacking intent and Duran could have a positive impact.
Jhon Duran could make Aston Villa impact v Olympiacos
The Colombian hasn’t started since early April when he scored a great goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
He came on for a 17-minute cameo against Brighton but wasn’t able to get a shot off and only managed five touches of the ball. He won 50 per cent of his duels and that was as much as he did throughout [FotMob].
Duran had a much better impact against Olympiacos in the first leg as he added physicality to the Villa front line.
In this appearance, he only managed 16 minutes but had a better impact. He took two shots with one testing their keeper while also winning 100 per cent of his duels [FotMob].
El Kaabi for Olympiacos showed the difference a physical target man could have on the game and Duran could be that for Villa.
Moussa Diaby has been criticised despite a positive goal and assist output given his lack of commitment in certain challenges. This saw him win 0 per cent of his duels against Brighton.
Duran could be the man to spark a Villa comeback in the Conference League semi-final second leg.
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