‘Unai Emery makes Morgan Rogers error’ – Aston Villa confirmed XI v Southampton
Unai Emery has made six changes to his Aston Villa side as they face Southampton in a return to Premier League action on Saturday.
The Villans will be keen to bounce back to winning ways just days after their hard-fought defeat against PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday (9 April).
A goal from Morgan Rogers wasn’t enough at the Parc Des Princes as the Parisians’ qualities shined through in a 3-1 first leg win.
It is fair to say that the Saints represent a completely different type of opponent as they sit bottom of the Premier League without a manager after Ivan Juric was sacked.
As a result, it is little surprise that Emery has opted to make multiple changes, but he may live to regret starting with Rogers once again.
Aston Villa confirmed XI v Southampton
Regardless of conceding three, Emi Martinez can be proud of his performance in the French capital as he made eight saves throughout the 90 minutes [FotMob] and will be hopeful of returning with a clean sheet against the Saints.
Ahead of him, changes have been utilised with such a short turnover between games as Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen have come in for Pau Torres and Lucas Digne despite the latter maintaining a 100 per cent cross accuracy in Paris.
Emery has also rested a key player at the base of midfield, as Amadou Onana has come in for Boubacar Kamara alongside Youri Tielemans once again in the league. This is arguably deserved after the ex-Everton man came on and won three duels and one tackle against PSG.
Despite potentially being in need of rest, Rogers has remained in the starting 11 even after his uncharacteristic 25 per cent dribble success rate in the Champions League.
In place of John McGinn, Marco Asensio has come in and will be hopeful of having more impact after taking just six touches against his parent club last time out.
Jacob Ramsey has maintained his spot in the side after completing 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles in a difficult night in Paris
Up top, Marcus Rashford has kept his place ahead of Ollie Watkins despite maintaining a dribble success of just 33 per cent in the Champions League. He will be desperate to get back on the scoresheet to build his confidence up once again.
Aston Villa must win v Southampton
The Villans are firmly in the hunt to reclaim a spot in the Champions League for next season but have to maintain a positive run of form if they are to do so.
There are now five spots available for qualification, and that certainly works in Emery’s favour as he looks to build on an already excellent campaign.
| Position | Club | Played | Goal difference | Points |
| 4. | Manchester City | 32 | +19 | 55 |
| 5. | Chelsea | 31 | +17 | 53 |
| 6. | Newcastle United | 30 | +13 | 53 |
| 7. | Aston Villa | 31 | 0 | 51 |
The Spaniard will once again have to rely on his better players like Asensio to stand up and continue their excellent form against a struggling Saints side.
Interim head coach Adam Lallana will be hopeful of securing a positive result regardless of relegation being confirmed, which may work against the away side.
Regardless of this, there is little excuse for Villa not to secure all three points on the south coast, especially as fringe players look to make a case to Emery.