Marco Asensio axed in four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Man City
Unai Emery could make as many as four changes to his Aston Villa side in a bid to strengthen their Champions League hopes against Manchester City.
Off the back of a Champions League exit to PSG, Villa have had their focus turned to domestic competitions ahead of the final run-in.
A 4-1 hammering of Newcastle United provided them a platform to build from, and they will need to do just that as they prepare to face the reigning Premier League champions in a clash that could have a huge say in who qualifies for the Champions League.
With that in mind, Emery could make some tough decisions as they get ready for a trip to The Etihad on Tuesday evening.
Emery to make three defensive changes v Man City
Emi Martinez spent the majority of their clash with Newcastle as a spectator, making just two saves while recording a respectable 63 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob].
Ezri Konsa may be the only defender to keep his place in the side, with Emery expected to make three changes to his backline, with Matty Cash one of those who may miss out.
| Villa v Newcastle | Minutes played | Passes completed | Touches | Crosses completed |
| Cash | 90 | 13 | 28 | 0 |
The Polish international recorded just 28 touches against the Magpies, the least of anyone on the pitch at Villa Park. Axel Disasi could replace him, with Pau Torres and Lucas Digne potentially returning to the lineup.
Youri Tielemans ran the show against Newcastle last time out, completing 71 passes, five tackles and 11 duels, the most of anyone in the game for all three attributes. He is likely to retain his place in the XI alongside Boubacar Kamara.
John McGinn featured out wide for Villa at the weekend, but he could be moved centrally to allow Marcus Rashford to come back into the team in place of Marco Asensio.
Asensio had a mixed display against Newcastle, completing 91 per cent of his passes and creating five chances, but McGinn’s presence in the centre may be needed against City.
Morgan Rogers is expected to start on the right with Ollie Watkins leading the line once again after his display against the Champions League hopefuls.
With that said, Villa will need Watkins to be more clinical in front of goal, having only recorded a 20 per cent shot accuracy last time out, albeit with his only shot on target resulting in a goal.