Aston Villa predicted XI v Wycombe – Unai Emery to make Emi Buendia decision in seven changes
Unai Emery could make seven changes as Aston Villa look to reach Round Four of the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday (24 September).
After qualifying for the Champions League, having finished fourth in the Premier League last season, Villa now have several competitions to keep in mind, so changes are expected.
The Villans have started both the Premier League and Champions League in brilliant form, currently sitting third in the league as well as claiming a 3-0 win over Young Boys.
With a huge match-up against Bayern Munich on the horizon, and John McGinn, Jaden Philogene, and Matty Cash unlikely to be available [Birmingham Mail], as many as seven changes could be made.
In between the sticks, 24-year-old Joe Gauci could be handed his Villa debut, replacing Emi Martinez despite his 85 per cent passing display against Wolves [FotMob]. He needs a rest.
While the starting centre-back partnership of Diego Carlos and Pau Torres could remain intact, both full-backs could be set to change for the EFL Cup clash.
Ian Maatsen replaced Lucas Digne at the half-time break, coming on and impressing at left-back, completing 87 per cent of his passes, and winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob].
Kosta Nedeljkovic could also be handed his first start in Villa colours, having come on as a substitute on three occasions in the Premier League so far.
Emi Buendia to start as Unai Emery rings seven Aston Villa changes v Wycombe
Emery could ring even more changes in midfield, with Ross Barkley stating his case for a starting spot next to Youri Tielemans after replacing Amadou Onana at Villa Park.
The former Luton Town man was absolutely key to the comeback win on Saturday 21 September, completing 100 per cent of his passes, five of which went into the final third, made two recoveries and won 50 per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].
While Jacob Ramsey is expected to keep his place in the starting XI, Emi Buendia, winger Leon Bailey and Jhon Duran could all be brought in as Emery switches up the squad to save fitness.
Buendia is still on his road to recovery after missing the 2023/24 campaign through injury, though he still managed to find his class against Wolves before Duran’s last-gasp goal.
The Argentine, who is a fan favourite at Villa Park, completed 100 per cent of his passes during his small cameo, showing just enough to earn a starting spot against Wycombe [FotMob].
In other Aston Villa news, Lamare Bogarde is clearly not ready after what happened in the Champions League v Young Boys.
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