Ollie Watkins axed in two Emery changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Chelsea
Unai Emery could drop Ollie Watkins in two changes to his Aston Villa starting XI for the trip to face Chelsea on Sunday.
The Villans travel to Stamford Bridge on 1 December as they go in search of a first win in seven games after a goalless draw against Juventus in the Champions League
A win was snatched from Villa in controversial fashion as Morgan Rogers’ goal was ruled out for a controversial foul on Michele Di Gregorio.
In a return to Premier League action, Emery could look to make some changes to keep certain players fresh during a busy period of fixtures.
One star very unlikely to be benched is Emi Martinez, who is the outright number one in B6. The two-time Yashin Trophy winner made two top saves to keep the scores level, keeping out 0.36 worth of expected goals [FotMob].
Ahead of him, changes appear to be unlikely with Ezri Konsa seemingly set to be absent from the starting XI once again. This could see Diego Carlos keep his spot in the side despite winning just 25 per cent of ground duels against the Old Lady.
Alongside the Brazilian, Pau Torres looks set to maintain his role with Lucas Digne and Matty Cash flanking the centre-back duo.
Unai Emery could rest Boubacar Kamara for Aston Villa v Juventus
Ahead of them, Emery may make one change to keep Boubacar Kamara fresh after starting against Juventus. The Frenchman was superb as he won six duels and completed four defensive actions but after a long term injury, starting two games in a matter of days could prove to be a risk.
This could see Ross Barkley come in alongside Youri Tielemans who has come under fire for his recent performances in the centre of the park.
On the wings, John McGinn and Leon Bailey could remain in the starting XI with the latter completing two dribbles while also winning six duels in an all-action performance.
The Scotland international was in constant rotation with Rogers at Villa Park and could do the same against Chelsea, with the 22-year-old likely to keep his starting spot. His performance last time out wasn’t his best but still managed to complete one dribble while also scoring the winner which was eventually ruled out.
Ahead of him, Jhon Duran could be set to come in from the start if Emery opts to give Ollie Watkins a rest. The Colombian hasn’t scored since late October against Crystal Palace but could have a positive impact if given the chance after his English team-mate maintained a pass accuracy of just 54 per cent against Juve.
In other Aston Villa news, Nadiem Amiri is being eyed as a new £8m transfer development has been shared.
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