Unai Emery ‘to axe Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa v Cardiff’ in early team news
Ollie Watkins could be handed a much-needed rest when Aston Villa host Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
Unai Emery and his players will be hurting after their 4-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday (25 February).
However, despite their struggles in the Premier League, Villa still have the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup to play for.
And they have a good chance to advance to the next round of the latter when they host Championship strugglers Cardiff City at Villa Park on Friday (28 February).
However, considering the quick turnaround from the Crystal Palace defeat, and the Champions League to come next week, Emery could look to rotate, with Watkins in line to make way.
Marcus Rashford ‘to replace Watkins for Aston Villa v Cardiff City’
Rashford was on the bench for Villa against Palace, but could be in line to start in the FA Cup, with a match against Cardiff perhaps the perfect opportunity for the Englishman to net his first Villa goal.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – thinks Watkins could be the man to make way for the Manchester United loanee.
“If I were Emery, I’d be targeting the FA Cup,” King said.
| Aston Villa | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Marcus Rashford | 5 | 0 | 2 |
“There aren’t too many matches to go until the final. However, they do also have the Champions League to think about. Therefore, it makes sense to rotate some players, and I think Emery will make changes against Cardiff City.
“I expect that Rashford will start. On paper, he is one of Villa’s main players, and someone who will be key for Villa between now and the end of the season. He will likely replace Watkins.”
Aston Villa need to beat Cardiff City
Villa have struggled as of late, particularly in the Premier League.
However, there will be no excuses for Emery and his players if they don’t get over the line against Cardiff. With the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all knocked out of the FA Cup, Villa have a great chance to lift the trophy.
Therefore, while rotation is important with so much football left to play, Emery must ensure he picks a team which is more than capable of beating Cardiff.