Ross Barkley stage set as Emery to unleash Aston Villa ace at half time v Forest
Unai Emery must unleash Ross Barkley for Aston Villa in the second half against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Villans are hopeful of building on their three-game winning streak across all competitions at the City Ground on 14 December, but did little going forward in the first half, going in at 0-0.
Therefore, Emery needs to inject an X factor into his time in the second period and Barkley, who is high on confidence after his goalscoring cameo in the 3-2 win against RB Leipzig, is the perfect man for the job.
Aston Villa stage set for Emery to unleash Ross Barkley v Forest
Barkley was only on the pitch for a total of 11 minutes, including injury time, against Leipzig in Germany on Tuesday (10 December). However, he showed what he was all about and capable of during that small amount of time.
The midfielder registered 10 touches, which, for context, is all two fewer than what Jhon Duran managed in the first half against Forest (Sofascore).
He managed to find the back of the net with his only shot in the game, which was taken from outside of the box. He has, therefore, shown he is capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat if needed and that might be exactly what Aston Villa need in Nottingham.
Furthermore, Barkley completed five of his eight passes (63 per cent) as the Birmingham-based club pushed for the winner against Leipzig.
He lost possession thrice during his cameo, but that showed his willingness to take risks in a bid to help his side claim the win.
With Forest also chasing a top-six finish this season, three points at the City Ground could be very valuable for Emery’s side and Barkley can help deliver it.
In other Aston Villa news, a transfer exit is on the cards for this player after what has happened at Villa Park.
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