Rashford ‘to make Aston Villa debut v Tottenham’ as ‘headache’ claim emerges
Marcus Rashford is expected to make his debut for Aston Villa against Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s side will welcome Spurs to Villa Park on 9 February, with three changes expected from the shock 2-0 Premier League defeat to Wolves at Molineux on Saturday (1 February).
Villa announced the signing of Rashford on loan from Manchester United via the club’s official website on Sunday (2 February), with Alejandro Garnacho reacting to the confirmed news.
A behind-the-scenes friendly with Birmingham City is likely to be arranged to provide the 27-year-old the opportunity to build his match fitness ahead of his competitive debut for the Villans, which ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes will come against Tottenham.
“I’d play Rashford against Tottenham, that is for sure,” King said.
“It would certainly give Tottenham a headache if he plays. However, if he doesn’t start he will definitely be on the bench and then come on for Ollie Watkins perhaps.
“That seemed to be the order of the day with Jhon Duran and Watkins. However, I’d say throw Rashford in, he must be hungry to play football again.”
Marcus Rashford to make Aston Villa debut v Tottenham?
Villa will be keen to advance in the FA Cup and continue competing on three fronts this season.
Therefore, Emery should look to name his best team against Spurs, and the decision to start or bench Rashford will likely go a long way in telling fans what kind of role the Englishman will play at Villa Park this season.
However, even if he doesn’t start, the option to bring Rashford off the bench as Spurs’ players are tiring could prove devastating, especially as the forward will no doubt be keen to make an impression and send a message to Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
As a result, between now and then, Rashford must ensure he works hard in training to maximise his chances of making an impact against Spurs.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery looks to have an unheard-of secret weapon at Villa Park.
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