Aston Villa predicted XI v Cardiff City: Unai Emery ‘forced into late Rashford change’
Unai Emery could be forced to start Marcus Rashford against Cardiff City after the latest Aston Villa squad development.
The Villans have been heavily impacted by injuries this season and that was once again the case against Crystal Palace as Emi Martinez was forced off at half-time.
This doesn’t excuse the 4-1 defeat, which the B6 club will be keen to forget as they prepare to welcome Championship side Cardiff to Villa Park in the FA Cup last 16 on Friday (28 February).
It now appears that Emery could be set to be without two potential starters for the clash, which could hand Rashford a starting opportunity.
Donyell Malen and Tyrone Mings to miss Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Villa News had initially predicted that Mings and Malen would come in to the starting 11 to face the Bluebirds as Villa rotated their side in the cup.
This could have proved to be beneficial for the Villans who have a congested fixture list which is soon to include Champions League clashes against Club Brugge.
Now it looks likely that the Spanish head coach is going to be without this duo, who are unavailable for the visit of Omar Riza’s side.
Malen is out through illness, while centre-back Mings is carrying an injury and remains a big doubt.
Martinez also looks set to be missing, alongside Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Pau Torres.
| Name | Absence reason |
| Pau Torres | Ankle/Foot injury |
| Boubacar Kamara | Thigh injury |
| Amadou Onana | Thigh injury |
| Ross Barkley | Knee injury |
| Emi Martinez | Hamstring injury |
| Donyell Malen | Illness |
| Matty Cash | Muscle injury |
This will leave Emery with little option but to put his faith in Robin Olsen from the start, with Andres Garcia, Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde likely to start again alongside the re-introduced Ian Maatsen. The young Dutchman is deserving of keeping his place in the heart of defence after maintaining a 94 per cent pass accuracy last time out.
The midfield duo at the base of midfield, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn could be added to by Marco Asensio who could be set to come back in from the start.
On the flanks, with Malen missing, Morgan Rogers could be set to keep his place after scoring and completing one dribble against Palace. He could be joined by Leon Bailey on the opposite side after his 23-touch showing off the bench last time out.
Up front, Rashford could be set to come in for Ollie Watkins, who failed to get on the scoresheet or complete a single dribble at Selhurst Park.
By comparison, the Manchester United loanee maintained a 100 per cent success rate with the ball at his feet and could be handed his second Villa start as a result.
Rashford will inspire Aston Villa to victory v Cardiff City
The England international has certainly proved his worth since coming through the doors at Bodymoor Heath during the winter transfer window.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the 27-year-old has already grabbed two assists with both coming against Chelsea in a 2-1 win.
Now Rashford could have the perfect opportunity to open his goal scoring account if he is handed the chance from the start in the number nine role.
This will allow Watkins to get some much-needed rest, while also giving the loan star the chance to build up his fitness with a busy period continuing in B6.