Unai Emery ‘massively upset’ claim made ahead of Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Dan Bardell doesn’t think Unai Emery will be “massively upset” if Aston Villa are knocked out of the EFL Cup as plenty of changes have been mooted for the Crystal Palace clash.
Oliver Glasner’s side travel to Villa Park on Wednesday (30 October) as both sides look to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
With the clash against the Eagles being the Villans’ fourth in 11 days, Emery is likely to utilise his squad and make multiple changes to his starting XI.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes the Spaniard will want to earn a place in the quarter-finals but won’t be hurt if Villa are knocked out.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “There will be changes.
“I wouldn’t expect anyone bar one or two from Sunday [against Bournemouth] to play against Palace. There might be a few on the bench but I’m not sure that many will start.
“It will be interesting because we’ve seen in Emery’s time at the club so far he hasn’t put much credence on the domestic cups, but if you win this home game, you’re in the quarter-finals.
“He’ll definitely use it as an opportunity to give people minutes. I’m sure he’d like to move forward in the competition but if they don’t he won’t be massively upset.“
Unai Emery could make multiple changes for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
There are plenty of options for the Villa boss to ponder ahead of the clash against the Eagles, with the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings looking to return to injury.
There will also be young players including Ben Broggio and Kadan Young who may be hopeful of minutes in the EFL Cup.
Regardless of changes made, supporters will be hopeful of a win to secure a place in the next round of the EFL Cup.
It doesn’t appear that Emery will mind either way but the Villa Park atmosphere will let him know what fans think.
In other Aston Villa news, Arsenal are now ready to make a move to sign a Villa goalkeeper as a David Raya decision has been made.
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