Unai Emery to start Jhon Duran alongside Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa – Insider
Bryan King has speculated that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery could start Jhon Duran alongside Ollie Watkins.
The ex-Villa scout doesn’t believe that Duran has yet done enough to start ahead of Watkins.
Duran has scored twice in the Premier League this season from the bench while Watkins is yet to find the back of the net for Villa thus far.
However, King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – claims the club’s top scorer last season has still been picking up good positions on the pitch.
“I’m not sure whether Duran has done enough to start ahead of Watkins,” King said.
“Watkins has been in positions to score goals this season. It has either been good goalkeeping or near misses that have resulted in him not scoring.
“Against Arsenal, he could have scored twice. He has probably scored more difficult chances than the ones he missed. Perhaps Emery will play Duran and Watkins alongside each other.
“That could certainly be an interesting option.”
Unai Emery to form a partnership between Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa?
Duran has experienced quite the turn of events at Villa Park in recent weeks.
At one point this summer it looked as though the 20-year-old was destined to leave the club. However, he has stayed put, and thus far his presence has paid off for Emery.
Duran has scored twice in three Premier League matches, with both of his strikes proving decisive.
Considering the kind of form the youngster is in, it would be difficult for Emery to ignore him. However, supporters are also unlikely to accept Watkins being dropped to the bench.
As a result, the Spaniard could opt to start the two strikers alongside each other and form a brand-new, exciting partnership at Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Joe Hart has praised one player at the club after his “incredible” moment against Leicester City.
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