Unai Emery to axe Watkins in four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Celtic
Unai Emery could make four changes to his Aston Villa XI for the Champions League clash with Celtic, with Jacob Ramsey potentially set to miss out despite scoring against West Ham
The Villans had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with West Ham last time out, in which Ramsey scored the opening goal inside the first 10 minutes.
With attentions now swiftly turned to the Champions League on Wednesday (29 January), Emery could make four changes with just one of them being enforced.
Tyrone Mings will miss the game after picking up another injury against the Hammers, while three other players could be dropped with one eye on rotation.
Unai Emery to drop Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa v Celtic
Emi Martinez will likely keep his place in goal having barely put a foot wrong in the West Ham draw. The Argentinian completed 72 per cent of his passes while being forced into only two saves [FotMob].
The first change could come at right-back with Matty Cash making way for Kosta Nedeljkovic, who has seen limited game time since arriving at Villa Park in the summer. Cash had a solid game against the Irons, completing 90 per cent of his passes and winning 100 per cent of his tackles, but Emery could opt to rest him for this one.
Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde will likely be the defensive partnership through the middle for Villa, with Mings set to face another spell on the sideline after going off injured against West Ham.
Lucas Digne should retain his place at left-back having created one chance against Graham Potter’s side, while also winning 71 per cent of his ground duels.
The midfield could remain the same for Villa, with Boubacar Kamara partnering Youri Tielemans, the former impressing against the Hammers. The Frenchman won 70 per cent of his ground duels while completing 17 defensive actions in the game.
Morgan Rogers could be utilised in the 10 role despite not being at his best in the most recent game. Just 58 per cent of his passes saw Villa retain possession, but Emery will know the damage he could inflict on the Celtic defence.
Leon Bailey should occupy the right flank with Emi Buendia coming in on the left, replacing Ramsey.
Jhon Duran could be in line for another start, replacing Ollie Watkins as he struggled to have a telling impact in their last Premier League outing. Watkins won just two of his nine duels (22 per cent) on Sunday although he did register an assist.
In other Aston Villa news, Louie Barry is set to undergo a medical after a deal was agreed.
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