Emery to drop Marcus Rashford as major claim made hours before Aston Villa v PSG
Unai Emery could be set to axe Marcus Rashford from his Aston Villa side for the visit of PSG on Tuesday.
The England international has had an up-and-down spell in recent weeks but has still started the last two games for the Villans.
Despite this, the 27-year-old has failed to find the net or grab an assist since 2 April, with his showing at the Parc Des Princes being particularly frustrating.
This could see Emery make a change for the clash at Villa Park as the Parisians come to protect their 3-1 lead from the first leg.
Emery to axe Rashford after PSG showing
There is no doubt that the Manchester United loanee has superb quality, regardless of his fallings out at Old Trafford in recent years.
The versatile forward has shown that in claret and blue with his three goals and four assists, but supporters still want more from the winter signing.
In the opening clash of the Champions League quarter-final, the Englishman had little impact before being taken off with 10 minutes to go.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Villa number nine named on the bench for the reverse leg in B6.
Ally McCoist has suggested to talkSPORT (15 April, 09:10am) that Ollie Watkins could come in from the start at Villa Park.
He said: “He’ll start Watkins, won’t he?”
Former Villa ace Andy Townsend was in full agreement as he replied: “I would have thought so. I thought Marcus [Rashford] last week was poor.
“It wasn’t easy for him in Paris, but I think you need more. More energy and work rate is needed from him. He has these bursts, and that’s great, but you need a little bit more all round, and I think Ollie [Watkins] will give that.”
Watkins has point to make v PSG
Villa’s number 11 has been the go-to striker option ever since Emery came in, but that hasn’t been the case since Rashford’s introduction.
With that being said, Watkins certainly proved his worth against Southampton and should be awarded with a start in the Champions League.
| Stat | Ollie Watkins v Southampton |
| Minutes played | 24 |
| Goals scored | 1 |
| Penalties won | 1 |
| Duels win rate (%) | 100 |
There is every chance that the England international is fuming with being on the bench and will want to take that out against the Parisians.
The forward needs to prove to Emery why he deserves to always start, especially after already seeing off Jhon Duran earlier in the season.
It will be interesting to see how the Villa boss lines up his side in B6 and what difference Watkins and Rashford can make.