Emery axes Pau Torres in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Crystal Palace
Unai Emery could make three changes to his Aston Villa side to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, with Pau Torres potentially set to drop out.
The Villans are set to face Oliver Glasner’s side at Wembley on 26 April with the hope of earning a spot in the final of the cup for the first time in 10 years.
This will come just four days after a devastating late defeat against Manchester City, as Marcus Rashford’s penalty went on to count for nothing.
Emery will now be hoping to earn further progression in the cup as his side travel to the capital to face an Eagles side they typically struggle against.
With that in mind, the Spaniard could make multiple changes with Torres potentially set to be axed ahead of the final four clash.
Torres axed for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
It has to be said that Emi Martinez has been poor in recent weeks, culminating in yet another moment to forget against Manchester City. The Argentine went on to make four saves at the Etihad [FotMob], but the damage had been done. He must rectify this at Wembley against Palace.
Ahead of the 32-year-old, there may be just one change with Tyrone Mings potentially set to come in for Torres after his poor defending for City’s winner, while making just 6 per cent of his passes into the final third, which isn’t up to his usual standard.
This could see Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash remain in the side with the latter contributing five defensive actions last time out.
The midfield could also be set to feature on change with Amadou Onana potentially set to drop out for John McGinn, who has been typically superb in big games for the Villans.
This could see the Scotland international be joined by Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans after the Belgian created one chance and won three duels against the champions in midweek.
One further change could be utilised by Emery in forward areas as Ollie Watkins could come in from the start in place of Jacob Ramsey.
This could see Rashford drop to the left-hand side after scoring while registering four shots as well as a superb 100 per cent tackle win rate and two duels won.
This could leave space for Morgan Rogers to roam the huge pitch at Wembley after maintaining a 100 per cent pass accuracy against his former side at the Etihad.
Aston Villa must win against Crystal Palace
The defeat at Manchester City means a spot in the Champions League may be off the table for the Villans with just four games remaining in their season.
| Position | Club | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 5. | Newcastle United | 33 | +18 | 59 |
| 6. | Chelsea | 33 | +18 | 57 |
| 7. | Aston Villa | 34 | +5 | 57 |
As a result, there will be a huge amount of importance piled on the FA Cup against Palace, who have had Emery’s number in recent months.
Last time out at Selhurst Park, the Eagles secured a 4-1 win with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring to make it 2-1 before the floodgates opened.
The Villans won’t want the Frenchman to replicate that, and as a result, having Mings back in the side could be hugely important as the B6 faithful rock up to Wembley.