Unai Emery to snub Ollie Watkins again – Aston Villa predicted XI v Newcastle
Unai Emery could make three changes to his Aston Villa line-up to face Newcastle on Saturday, but Ollie Watkins may be in for disappointment again.
Aston Villa are set to host Premier League top-four contenders Newcastle in their third-last top flight game at Villa Park this season on 19 April.
The Birmingham-based club will be determined to bounce back from the disappointment of bowing out of the UEFA Champions League despite beating PSG 3-2 at home on Tuesday (15 April), courtesy of the French giants’ two-goal lead from the first leg.
Villa still have a lot to play for as they are in contention to qualify for the Champions League next season, while also having an FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace coming up later this month.
That is why Emery will continue to rotate his team, albeit with caution.
Pau Torres axed in Aston Villa v Newcastle
Emiliano Martinez was at fault for one of PSG’s two goals on Tuesday night [FotMob], but will continue between the sticks for Aston Villa, having also made five saves against PSG.
However, Emery could change his centre-back pairing, with Tyrone Mings poised to partner Ezri Konsa in defence.
Pau Torres was an influential figure against PSG, completing 29 of his 36 passes (81 per cent) and providing an assist, but could be rested against Newcastle to manage his workload, considering he has only recently returned from injury.
| Minutes | Accurate Passes | Chances Created | Shot Accuracy | Big Chances Missed | Tackles Won | Duels Won |
| 90 | 29/36 (82%) | 1 | 1/2 (50%) | 1 | 2/5 (40%) | 7/14 (50%) |
Matty Cash is likely to keep his place at right-back, although there might be another change at left-back. Ian Maatsen started Villa’s last two league games and could replace Lucas Digne on this occasion too.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara could drop to the bench after playing the full 90 minutes on Tuesday, with Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans potentially playing in the double pivot, as they did in the 3-0 win against Southampton last weekend.
Watkins snubbed for fourth consecutive game
Emery is spoilt for choice in attack, but may choose to keep things simple to maximise Aston Villa’s chances of claiming all three points and moving towards the top five.
That is why John McGinn and Morgan Rogers could keep their places on the left-hand and right-hand side, respectively.
McGinn, who scored Villa’s second against PSG, is expected to be in good shape after being substituted after the one-hour mark.
Meanwhile, Marco Asensio could come in for Kamara and play in an advanced midfield role after starting the last game on the bench.
Finally, Emery could shock many fans by snubbing Watkins for the fourth game in a row. Marcus Rashford was in fine form on Tuesday, completing the most number of dribbles (four) and creating the most number of chances (four), and is raring to go again.