Unai Emery makes Emi Martinez decision – Aston Villa XI confirmed v Brentford
Unai Emery has made a bold call by starting Emi Martinez as Aston Villa welcome Brentford on Wednesday.
The Villans announced their team to face Thomas Frank’s side on X (4 December) with the Spaniard making two changes from the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea.
A home clash against the Bees could provide the perfect opportunity to grab a much-needed three points.
In an attempt to do so, Pau Torres and Jaden Philogene have dropped out of the starting XI while Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey have come in and must make the most of the opportunity that Emery has handed them.
Unai Emery in bold Emi Martinez decision for Aston Villa v Brentford
It is a busy run of fixtures for the Villans which isn’t doing their poor run of form any favours but changes may prove to be a positive.
The Villa boss will be delighted that he doesn’t have to make a change in goal as Martinez keeps his place in the side despite going off at half-time against Chelsea.
Even in 45 minutes, the Argentina international still registered three saves while also completing 85 per cent of his attempted passes at Stamford Bridge [FotMob].
Ahead of the keeper, Matty Cash has kept his place alongside Ezri Konsa after winning four duels and one tackle while contributing eight other defensive actions. Lucas Digne has kept his place despite failing to complete a dribble or a tackle against Chelsea.
Mings has been handed his first Premier League start of the campaign in hope of shoring up a backline which has conceded server goals in their last three Premier League games.
Ahead of the back four, the midfield has largely stayed the same with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara maintaining their spots in the starting XI. The Frenchman maintained a 90 per cent pass accuracy against Stamford Bridge which Emery will appreciate.
Bailey has returned in place of Philogene after the Englishman had a zero per cent dribble success while only completing five passes. On the other flank, John McGinn has kept his place from the start.
Ollie Watkins retains his role from the start despite failing to score while having two shots on target against the Blues, missing one big chance. Jhon Duran doesn’t get his start but Morgan Rogers does despite calls for Emi Buendia to make a long-awaited start.
In other Aston Villa news, Darren Bent has shared a “crazy” verdict after Unai Emery sack talk he’s heard.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.