Unai Emery to axe Jhon Duran after controversy – Aston Villa predicted XI v Ipswich
Aston Villa will be keen to keep up their winning run as they prepare to face Ipswich Town on Sunday 29 September.
The Villans have won five matches on the bounce, with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup being the latest.
Unai Emery made a whole host of changes with Emi Buendia and Jhon Duran coming in from the start and scoring to help secure a win.
Having rested the majority of his key players, the Spaniard could now look to revert to a similar starting XI to the one that beat Wolves 3-1.
Against the newly promoted Tractor Boys, Emi Martinez is likely to come in to replace Joe Gauci who started in the midweek win, despite him making four saves on the night [FotMob].
One star who can be hopeful of keeping his place is Kosta Nedeljkovic who put in a positive showing at Adams Park with an 89 per cent pass accuracy. Given that Diego Carlos dropped out at the last moment against Wycombe, it feels unlikely that he will start again.
Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres are likely to return in centre back after a shaky performance from young duo Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels against the League One side. Lucas Digne could come in to replace Ian Maatsen at left back after failing to win a duel in four attempts last time out.
Amadou Onana started against Wycombe and looks likely to keep his place in the starting XI after an 85 per cent pass accuracy showing. Alongside him, fellow Champions League goalscorer Youri Tielemans could come in to start.
Ollie Watkins to start ahead of Jhon Duran for Aston Villa v Ipswich
Leon Bailey also started against the Chairboys and completed the most dribbles on the night with two [FotMob]. Despite coming back to full fitness, he could keep his place against Ipswich. On the opposite flank, Jacob Ramsey could come in for debutant Kadan Young despite a positive performance.
Buendia returned with a goal as well as an 85 per cent pass accuracy but failed to complete a dribble in two attempts. Morgan Rogers could return from the start after creating three chances against Wolves in Villa’s last Premier League game].
Up top, Ollie Watkins could return after being absent from the squad at Adams Park. Duran started in the cup and scored after controversially winning a penalty. However, despite an 81 per cent pass accuracy, he missed one big chance out of five attempts and that inefficient performance in front of goal means it’s a no-brainer for Watkins to come back in and Duran to continue doing what he does best – starting from the bench and having an impact as a sub.
In other Aston Villa news, forward duo to be disturbed by £20m transfer update at Villa Park.
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