Unai Emery ‘makes Jhon Duran error’ in confirmed Aston Villa XI v Monaco
Unai Emery may live to regret not starting Jhon Duran after making three changes to his Aston Villa starting XI for the trip to Monaco.
The Villans have welcomed Lucas Digne, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey into the starting XI on Tuesday (21 January) for the clash at Stade Louis-II.
This has seen Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey all drop out of the side for the return to Champions League action.
With automatic qualification to the round of 16 potentially on the line, leaving out Duran may have proved to be the wrong decision by Emery.
Unai Emery could regret Jhon Duran decision for Aston Villa v Monaco
Regardless of making multiple changes, the core of the defensive line has a very similar feel to the draw against Arsenal on Saturday (18 January).
Emi Martinez has kept his spot in goal after making four saves in North London [FotMob] while Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash have remained in the side with the latter picking up an assist, utilising his 100 per cent cross accuracy on the day.
Digne has come in at left back after Maatsen failed to win a tackle before being replaced at half time in N7.
Youri Tielemans has also maintained his spot in the side after completing two dribbles despite being up against Declan Rice and Mikel Merino last time out. The Belgium international starts alongside Boubacar Kamara who won seven duels against the Gunners.
Ahead of them, Emi Buendia has come in to add some attacking flair to the side as Onana misses out through injury.
Out wide, Morgan Rogers remains in the side with Bailey coming in for Ramsey who failed to complete a dribble or create a chance last time out.
Up front is where Emery has been bold by sticking by Watkins who scored and won five duels against Arsenal. Duran came off the bench and won 100 per cent of aerial duels but still hasn’t been trusted from the start with nearly four weeks passing since his last.
In other Aston Villa news, Wolves to swoop for a shock last-minute transfer agreement at Villa Park.
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