Morgan Rogers axed as Unai Emery makes eight changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Crystal Palace
Unai Emery is expected to make eight changes to his Aston Villa starting XI ahead of an EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday (30 October).
The Spaniard rang the changes for Villa’s last EFL Cup fixture, beating Wycombe Wanderers 3-1, with only Amadou Onana keeping his spot in the side against the League One outfit.
Even coming up against Premier League opponents in the fourth round, Emery could still make a plethora of changes, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez being just the first of many.
Robin Olsen could be handed his first start of the season, with Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash keeping their places in the back line after fine displays in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday 26 October.
It is always incredibly difficult to take Konsa out of the starting XI, especially due to his 93 per cent passing average this season, 100 per cent ground duels won and all-around dominant display [FotMob].
Ian Maatsen and Diego Carlos could make up the back four, especially after the former’s impressive cameo against the Cherries. He won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and delivered 100 per cent of his crosses [FotMob].
The midfield partnership of Onana and Youri Tielemans struggled a lot more at Villa Park, however, with both picking up yellow cards and the former Everton man being taken off at half-time.
Onana clearly struggled to take charge in the middle of the park, being cautioned after just four minutes, winning just 50 per cent of his ground duels, winning zero per cent of his tackles and being dispossessed once [FotMob].
Morgan Rogers axed after lacklustre Aston Villa display v Bournemouth
This could provide an opportunity for Boubacar Kamara to earn his first start since sustaining his knee injury against Manchester United in February, with Ross Barkley likely to line up beside him.
The 30-year-old has shown his quality in spurts, coming on to score against the Cherries, hitting the target with 50 per cent of his shots, making four passes into the final third and making three recoveries [FotMob].
After disappointingly dropping points at the weekend, Emery will want to freshen up his attacking players, with Jacob Ramsey the only member of the front four likely to keep his spot in the team.
Morgan Rogers, who won just 14 per cent of his ground duels on Saturday [FotMob], Ollie Watkins and John McGinn could all make way, seeing Emi Buendia, Jaden Philogene and Jhon Duran given the nod.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery must demand more from one of his stars after a “delightful” moment v Bournemouth.
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