Jhon Duran to start for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace with Unai Emery set to make changes
Bryan King expects Jhon Duran to start for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at Villa Park on Wednesday (30 October).
The ex-Villa scout thinks Unai Emery will make changes for the clash with the Eagles.
Duran was once again used as a substitute as Emery’s side drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday (26 October), a match which wasn’t short of controversy.
However, King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – feels the striker will be handed a rare start in the cup.
“I think there will be changes,” King said.
“You’ve got Duran, who is always being talked about. I think he will definitely start on Wednesday. That would offer Ollie Watkins an opportunity to be rested.
“They’ve got the UEFA Champions League the week after, games are coming thick and fast. For me, Villa are proving they can compete near the top of the Premier League and do well in Europe.”
Jhon Duran to start for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace?
It is hard to imagine that Emery will be prioritising the Carabao Cup over the Premier League or Champions League. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Spaniard make a host of changes, and the likes of Watkins rested.
However, luckily for Emery, he has a player who can come in and arguably do just as well as Watkins.
Duran has had a sensational season and leads the scoring charts at Villa Park, despite not yet starting a Premier League game.
Emery needs to ensure he keeps the 20-year-old striker happy, especially with Arsenal sniffing around (via AS Colombia, 22 October).
And matches such as these are the perfect opportunity to hand Duran a start.
In other Aston Villa news, one player could leave the club in January as concrete talks are held.
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