Emery ‘makes Morgan Rogers error’ in confirmed Aston Villa XI v Crystal Palace
Unai Emery has made four changes to his Aston Villa side as they travel to face Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
The Villans are preparing for a trip to Selhurst Park just three days after coming back from behind to take three points against Chelsea.
A Marco Asensio brace was the difference against the Blues but a quick turnaround is required to secure another positive result on 25 February.
With a view to emerging victorious in Croydon, Emery has made multiple changes to his starting XI as confirmed via Aston Villa’s official account on X.
Aston Villa confirmed XI v Crystal Palace
It won’t come as a surprise to any of the travelling Villa supporters to see Emi Martinez start in net once again after making five saves against Chelsea [FotMob].
It won’t come as so much of a surprise to see Ian Maatsen lose his place after struggling against his former side, winning just two duels. This has seen Lucas Digne return to the side alongside Ezri Konsa with Axel Disasi and Andres Garcia also coming in for Tyrone Mings and Matty Cash.
The midfield trio has been faced with one change with John McGinn and Youri Tielemans keeping their places with Asensio facing the axe. It comes as a surprise to see Lamare Bogarde come in for the Spaniard who completed one dribble while maintaining an 85 per cent pass accuracy at the weekend.
Emery has opted not to make a change in the forward line with Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers both staying in the side. The latter lost four duels and completed zero per cent of his crosses before being hooked last time out so it is somewhat of a surprise to see him start again.
Ollie Watkins has maintained his spot in the side despite not scoring against Chelsea. The England international did keep up a 100 per cent dribble completion rate while also taking four shots at Villa Park.
Rogers starts/dropped v Crystal Palace
It is fair to say that Villa supporters will be hopeful of securing another victory off the back of the Chelsea win but this won’t be easy against Crystal Palace.
The three points in B6 helped get the Villans firmly back in the hunt to land a Champions League place before the end of the season.
This could all face a damaging blow if Emery and Co. fall to defeat against Palace which could see surrounding sides like Brighton, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Newcastle take advantage.
| Position | Club | Points | Goal difference |
| 5 | Newcastle United | 44 | +10 |
| 6 | Bournemouth | 43 | +14 |
| 7 | Chelsea | 43 | +12 |
| 8 | Aston Villa | 42 | -2 |
| 9 | Brighton | 40 | +4 |
With that in mind, it does come as a surprise that Rogers has maintained his place in the starting 11 despite coming off injured after a quiet performance last time out.
It will be interesting to see if he can have a positive impact or if Emery will be relying on other options from the bench, like Marcus Rashford, late in the day in the capital.