Unai Emery to trust Emi Buendia to end Aston Villa slump
Unai Emery has to trust Emi Buendia from the start against Brentford to help Aston Villa end their poor run of form.
The Villans are without a win in eight games and welcome Thomas Frank’s side to Villa Park on 4 December in the hope of securing a much-needed three points.
With this clash against the Bees coming just three days after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, changes may be utilised to keep the side fresh during this slump.
This could see Emery call on the diminutive Argentine from the start in order to give Morgan Rogers some rest.
Unai Emery could start Emi Buendia for Aston Villa v Brentford
The Spaniard has already illuded to the 27-year-old featuring for Villa in his pre-match press conference before the Brentford clash, shared by John Townley (4 December)
He said: “The next one is Emi Buendia. He is progressively getting better after being out for a long time injured. He is working every day. The process he is doing, he is close to being completely comfortable to play in everything.
“In case Morgan Rogers is getting or needing some change [rest], we have to try and use Emi Buendia and try to get from him the performances we need. We are trying it in the training sessions and we are giving him minutes in matches.”
This could prove to be a match-winning change for Emery given the technical assets the attacking midfielder provides plus his ability to unlock defences.
The ex-Norwich City man has only been afforded two starts this season and against Wycombe Wanderers in particular, Buendia showed his class, albeit against League One opposition.
The Villa boss would have been pleased to see the attacking ace return from injury and get on the scoresheet while also contributing with 29 passes with an 85 per cent accuracy on the night [FotMob].
Buendia created one chance across his 48 touches while making five passes into the final third to put pressure on the opposition defence.
The Argentine also contributed defensively with a 100 per cent tackle success while also contributing with three defensive actions and seven duels won.
This all-action style of performance from the number ten role could be just what the Villans need and Emery needs to change his ideas and give fresh faces a starting chance.
In other Aston Villa news, a shortlist is ready for two new transfers in the January window.
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