Emery makes huge Watkins call in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Man United
Unai Emery could utilise Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran as a front two for Aston Villa in their clash against Manchester United on Sunday 6 October.
The Villans will be keen to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League as they drew to Ipswich Town before securing a famous win against Bayern Munich (2 October).
Emery made one change at Villa Park in the Champions League but may look to make more changes against the Red Devils after Jacob Ramsey went off injured in the first half.
The Spaniard is very likely to keep Emi Martinez in his starting XI after a superb showing against the Bundesliga giants where he made seven top saves throughout [FotMob].
In a similar vein to the Argentina international, the back line is likely to stay largely the same after the win in Europe.
Pau Torres was superb as he provided an assist and kept up an 88 per cent pass accuracy throughout alongside Diego Carlos who won two duels and contributed with eight defensive actions after his shocker against Ipswich.
Ezri Konsa seems likely to keep his place at right-back despite Matty Cash being back in training with it potentially being time for Ian Maatsen to start. Digne won just 50 per cent of his tackles against Bayern and failed to complete a cross in two attempts, so he could be axed by Emery.
In the midfield, Youri Tielemans is likely to keep his place in the starting XI after a stellar showing against Vincent Kompany’s side. Similarly, Jaden Philogene could be in line to make a second successive start after winning eight duels and having 100 dribble success last time out.
Amadou Onana came off injured in the second half and could be replaced in the starting XI by Ross Barkley after a substitute appearance against Bayern.
Unai Emery could start Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa v Manchester United
Ramsey came off injured at Villa Park so there could be a chance that Morgan Rogers drops deeper, onto the wing, after 39 touches and a 71-per-cent dribble success in the Champions League.
Emery could make a huge call against Manchester United by starting both Watkins and Duran for the first time this season.
The England international was selfless against Bayern across his 70-minute showing where he only managed 27 touches and a 40 per cent pass accuracy but gave Dayot Upamecano the runaround and made the Frenchman’s game a nightmare.
Duran came on and shook the game up before scoring a superb lob over Manuel Neuer to send Villa Park crazy. The 20-year-old also helped out defensively, winning 100 per cent of tackles and ground duels across his 20 minutes on the pitch.
The Villa duo could prove to be too much for the Red Devils’ defence to deal with as they travel to B6.
In other Aston Villa news, one “top level” Aston Villa Womens star has now been highlighted amid transition admission after the Tottenham draw.
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