Unai Emery could rue Lucas Digne decision - Aston Villa confirmed XI v Newcastle

Unai Emery has opted to start Lucas Digne for Aston Villa ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United in an unchanged lineup.

Aston Villa will be looking to make it two wins from two this afternoon following their 2-1 victory against Manchester City on 21 December knowing that a win could move them back into the top four of the Premier League.

The win was matched by a solid team performance although Digne struggled at times to cope with the threat posed by Manchester City and his inclusion could be questioned.

Villa announced their lineup for the clash against the Magpies (26 December) on their X account with Emery opting for an unchanged XI from their win over Man City.

Unai Emery makes Lucas Digne call for Aston Villa

Digne has been a solid performer for Villa so far this season but his performance against City wasn't his best and Emery may be forced to rue his inclusion.

According to FotMob, the Frenchman completed just 33 per cent of his attempted crosses while making the error that led to Man City's consolation goal in the dying minutes.

Digne is often known for his creativity going forward from the full-back position but he registered just a 0.04 xA (expected assists) against the reigning Premier League champions.

His performance against Nottingham Forest prior was again not his best, with a failure to complete a single cross in that game while winning just 25 per cent of his defensive duels, and failing to win a single tackle.

With Ian Maatsen not named on the bench, it may be a tactical change or one that is forced.

In other Aston Villa news, an update has emerged on the fitness of Jacob Ramsey.

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