Aston Villa predicted XI v Liverpool: Unai Emery to axe Diego Carlos, two changes
Unai Emery could hand youngster Tim Iroegbunam a rare start when Aston Villa face Liverpool on Monday 13 May, with Diego Carlos set to be axed.
The Villans saw their quest for a European trophy come to a halt after a shock 6-2 aggregate defeat to Olympiacos in midweek, and the boss will surely look to change things as the team aim to seal a Champions League spot for next season.
And that will surely begin with switching back to the four-at-the-back system that has worked so well this season.
Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres started in central defence in midweek, but it was the Brazilian who struggled the most and it was he who was taken off at 65 minutes as they moved to start chasing a goal.
Diego Carlos to be axed by Unai Emery for Aston Villa
According to SofaScore stats, the former Sevilla man managed to complete just 20% of his long passes against Olympiacos, and with a similar tactic likely to be implemented against Liverpool’s high-line that isn’t good enough.
Konsa and Torres have been better options this season and their partnership is good, so they should start together alongside usual full-back options Lucas Digne and Matty Cash with Emi Martinez in goal.
Ahead of them Douglas Luiz and John McGinn’s partnership in recent games has seen the team a bit too open, and a more defensive-minded option could be ideal which is where Iroegbunam will come in.
That could see the skipper moved back out to the left-hand side where he has been so good this season, despite a great performance in midweek, with winger Moussa Diaby dropping out of the side.
The Frenchman had a poor game in Greece, completing 0% (0/2) of his crosses, just 25% of his dribbles (1/4) and won just one of his five duels before being taken off before the hour mark.
With a central position available as a result it should see Youri Tielemans return from injury to take up the number ten role, with Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey completing the lineup.
In other Aston Villa news,