Ollie Watkins could feature for Aston Villa v Everton (credit: Imago)

Unai Emery 'makes Ollie Watkins mistake' in confirmed Aston Villa XI v Everton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at GRV Media and VAVEL; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Exclusive content, statistical analysis, and deep-dive reporting across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Max utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, exclusive reporting and data-driven insight. He provides the intelligence behind the stories to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

15 Jan 2025, 12:46 pm

Unai Emery may live to regret starting Ollie Watkins despite making four changes to his Aston Villa starting XI against Everton.

The Spaniard has welcomed Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne, Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana into the side to face David Moyes' men at Goodison on Wednesday (15 January).

This has seen Robin Olsen, Leon Bailey and Ian Maatsen drop to the bench while Ross Barkley is absent through injury for the clash against his boyhood club.

With all these changes, Emery may prove to have made a mistake by starting Watkins ahead of the returning Jhon Duran.

Unai Emery could regret Ollie Watkins decision for Aston Villa v Everton

The Villans have utilised a similar backline to the one that started against West Ham last time out.

Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash have maintained their roles in the side with the latter winning 100 per cent of tackles last time out [FotMob].

It is a blow for Maatsen to lose his spot in the squad after chipping in with 10 defensive actions while also creating one chance for his teammates.

Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans are also starting again after winning a combined eight duels and three tackles against the Hammers.

This duo have been added to by Onana who got on the scoresheet against the Irons while also contributing with six defensive actions.

In the forward line, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Watkins have also been given the go-ahead by Emery with the England international struggling at Villa Park.

Your Villa starting XI tonight 👊 #EVEAVL pic.twitter.com/TetICtuz77
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 15, 2025

The striker had the least touches of any player to play for 90 minutes with 22 and also missed yet another big chance in B6 while also keeping up a zero-per cent dribble success rate.

With Duran returning after his suspension, the 21-year-old could have been a better choice from the start as a fresh option for the West Midlands outfit.

In other Aston Villa news, another club have made an approach over a potential January transfer.

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