credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 25 February 2025 13:40, UK

Aston Villa are preparing to travel to face Crystal Palace on Tuesday and could be set do to so without Ian Maatsen in the side.

The Villans are coming off the back of a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Villa Park where a Marco Asensio brace secured all three points.

Unai Emery will be keen to make it two wins from two in the Premier League side as his side look ahead to a trip to Selhurst Park on 25 February.

The Spaniard could be in line to make multiple changes to his side which could see Maatsen face the axe after a shaky performance last time out.

Maatsen to face axe for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

It is safe to say that the Netherlands international hasn’t had the greatest start to life in the West Midlands since signing in the summer.

There was plenty of excitement when the 22-year-old came in from Chelsea but that has fallen by the wayside somewhat in recent weeks.

The flying full-back has done little to prove himself in an attacking or defensive sense which has seen patience wear thin with Villa fans.

This was once again on show against his former side in B6 as Pedro Neto made the most of his defensive frailties to burst past him and set up Enzo Fernandez for the Blues’ opener.

Although this didn’t prove to result in a defeat, it was representative of his general performance which was generally poor throughout.

This saw the Dutchman win just 50 per cent of his attempted tackles while losing a further four duels as he also committed one foul [FotMob].

Maatsen was also dispossessed on two occasions, piling unnecessary pressure on his side as they looked for a route to victory.

It isn’t as if this defensive weakness is made for by his influence going forward as the ex-Borussia Dortmund man made just three passes into the final third while also completing just 25 per cent of crosses.

For the away trip to face Crystal Palace, with the attacking threat they pose, it could be likely that Lucas Digne returns to the side to replace the struggling Maatsen.

Emery has Digne decision to make v Crystal Palace

There is no doubting the quality that Villa now possess in forward areas after the addition of Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen and Asensio.

This trio have all had a positive impact since coming in during the winter with the Englishman in particular capturing the headlines.

Ultimately this attacking influence could begin to paper over cracks defensively as the backline struggled once again in the win over Chelsea.

With a view to putting an end to this, bringing Digne back into the side alongside the likes of Axel Disasi, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash could add a solidity to a backline that is desperate for a clean sheet.

It will certainly be interesting to see if Maatsen is relied on again or if Emery is quick to axe him from the side after his recent showings.