Jhon Duran to start for Aston Villa v Everton as Ollie Watkins prediction made
Aston Villa will have Jhon Duran available for selection again when they take on Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Duran has now served his three-match suspension after being sent off in the 3-0 Premier League defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Boxing Day (26 December), although the striker could yet face further punishment.
However, for now, the 21-year-old is available for selection as Unai Emery prepares to take his side to Goodison Park on 15 January, where the Villa boss is expected to make four changes.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – expects Duran to be one of those changes, which would see Ollie Watkins dropped to the bench.
“I expect Duran will come straight back into the team,” King said.
“He lost his way in the Newcastle game. However, he is always capable of finding the back of the net, as he has demonstrated this season.
“I think Watkins will be axed so that Duran can start. However, I don’t understand why they don’t start alongside each other. Emery seems to insist on starting with one and bringing the other one as a substitute.”
Jhon Duran to start ahead of Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa v Everton
Before the defeat against Newcastle, Duran had started three consecutive league matches ahead of Watkins, and scored in each of those games.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Emery bring the Colombian straight back into the team, especially considering Watkins has only found the back of the net once in the last three games.
However, the Villa boss will need to be careful as to how he manages this situation as if he continues to bench Watkins, the England international could seek an exit from the club.
Therefore, the best solution would be for Emery to find a system which allows both strikers to play together.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are on the verge of completing a brand new signing.
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