Chris Sutton predicts Aston Villa v Brighton after ‘real sickener’ for Emery
Chris Sutton has predicted that Ollie Watkins will make a big impact against Brighton on Monday.
The Villans will host the Seagulls (30 December) hoping to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Boxing Day (26 December).
They will have to do so without Jhon Duran who was sent off for violent conduct against the Magpies and is set to miss their next three matches after his appeal against the red card was rejected.
BBC Sport pundit Sutton believes that the England striker will step up in the Colombian’s absence, writing in his weekly predictions piece [28 December], he said: “It is a real sickener for Emery.
“I know he was able to rotate Duran and Ollie Watkins up front, but recently Duran had been starting and scored in four straight games. He seemed to have that jersey nailed down, but when he comes back from his three-game ban, he will have to start again.
“In the meantime, it is down to Watkins to get Villa some goals. I am backing him to score here and to help them get the three points.”
Watkins can secure Aston Villa number nine role
The 28-year-old has scored seven goals and notched three assists in 18 Premier League matches so far this season.
However, Duran was beginning to threaten his place in the starting line-up having scored in all three of his league starts this campaign before the Newcastle loss.
The Colombian’s suspension could give Watkins the chance to reassert himself as Emery’s number one option upfront after a tricky spell for the former Brentford forward.
The Englishman can take advantage of Duran’s three-match ban in league matches with Brighton and Everton and the FA Cup clash with West Ham United.
Duran may have to earn his spot in the starting line-up all over again once he returns to action if Watkins can make the most when leading the line in his absence.
One thing is for sure, Emery will have some tough decisions to make when the 21-year-old is eligible to feature again.
In other Aston Villa news, Carlton Cole and Jason Cundy were involved in a sensational clash when debating the Duran red card live on talkSPORT.
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