Emery axes Kamara in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Leicester City
Unai Emery could drop Boubacar Kamara from his Aston Villa starting lineup as part of three changes to face Leicester City.
The Villans squandered a one-goal lead at Villa Park last time out (30 December) as Tariq Lamptey’s 81st-minute equaliser secured a 2-2 draw for Brighton in a match riled with VAR controversy.
Kamara started in the midfield pivot alongside Youri Tielemans for the contest, but after leaving a lot to be desired on the pitch, Emery could opt to bring Amadou Onana back into the starting lineup on Saturday (4 January).
Morgan Rogers will be suspended for the clash after picking up his eighth yellow card against Brighton, whereas Pau Torres is likely to be sidelined for two months after sustaining a metatarsal injury at Villa Park [BBC Sport, 31 December].
Ezri Konsa will be expected to return to his preferred position in central defence, with Matty Cash returning at right-back. Rogers’ absence could bring a rare start for Jacob Ramsey.
Unai Emery to name three changes for Aston Villa v Leicester City
While Emi Martinez has received his fair share of slack this season, it would take a disastrous performance for the Argentina World Cup winner to lose his place at Aston Villa, and he will be expected to line up between the sticks on Saturday.
Matty Cash endured a torrid evening at St James Park in his last start for the Villans, winning only 50 per cent of his duels, failing to complete any of his three crossing attempts and losing possession seven times [Sofascore].
However, Torres’ injury provides a fresh opportunity for the Polish international to atone for his display in the 3-0 loss against Newcastle United (29 December), allowing Ezri Konsa to move back into a central role despite performing admirably on the flank last time out, completing 81 per cent of his passes with one key pass and 100 per cent of his long balls.
Diego Carlos should partner Konsa in the backline, with Lucas Digne expected to retain his role at left-back – the Frenchman excelled against Brighton, winning 80 per cent of his duels and completing 85 per cent of his passes with two key passes and one big chance created.
Kamara produced a rare underwhelming performance against Brighton, and he will be expected to pay the price for his struggle and, in turn, earn some much-needed rest after an extended run in the first team.
The 25-year-old won only 25 per cent of his aerial duels, was dribbled past twice, committed one error leading to a shot and lost possession nine times as he struggled to keep his head above water in the midfield battle at Villa Park – Amadou Onana should be selected to replace Kamara and line up alongside Youri Tielemans in the pivot.
On the other hand, Leon Bailey enjoyed his best performance of the season on Monday – he completed 90 per cent of his dribbles, 88 per cent of his passes with three key passes and won 86 per cent of his duels in a true all-round performance from the forward and should continue on the flanks against Leicester.
Despite Rogers scoring his sixth Premier League goal last time out, he will be forced to watch on from the stands as he serves a one-match suspension. Ramsey has failed to nail down a regular spot under Emery this year but should be allowed the opportunity to impress on the weekend.
Aston Villa captain John McGinn will complete the midfield, he maintained his impeccable standards against Brighton, completing 91 per cent of his passes with one key pass, completing 75 per cent of his dribbles and winning 87.5 per cent of his duels.
Jhon Duran will serve the second game of his three-match FA suspension for violent conduct in the match against Newcastle, giving Emery an easy decision to make up top, with Ollie Watkins expected to lead the line again after contributing a goal and an assist against Brighton.
In other Aston Villa news, the Villans want to sign an out-of-favour PSG star in January.
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