Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Exclusive: Unai Emery decides on Watkins and Rashford
Unai Emery could be in line to start Ollie Watkins ahead of Marcus Rashford as Aston Villa prepare to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Villans are preparing for a trip to Wembley for the first time in five years on 26 April in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
This represents a huge opportunity for Emery to pick up a first trophy in B6, but can’t underestimate Oliver Glasner’s side in the capital.
With that being said, the Spaniard has a choice to make up front, and it appears that Watkins could be given the nod despite recent controversy.
Watkins to start over Rashford v Crystal Palace
There is no doubt that Villa have superb forward options available to them right now, with the likes of Donyell Malen seriously struggling for minutes.
This sums up everything good around the claret and blue side right now, although it does appear to be causing problems for Watkins.
The 29-year-old England international revealed his fury after missing out against PSG after starting and getting on the scoresheet against Newcastle United last week.
Now Emery has a decision to make, ready for the clash at Wembley with Rashford starting last time out against Manchester City.
| Stat | Marcus Rashford v Manchester City |
| Shots | 4 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Tackles won | 2 |
| Duels won | 2 |
Former Leicester City and Brentford boss Martin Allen has predicted that the Villa boss will back Watkins in a huge call at the home of English football.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, the former Leicester City manager said: “There are certainly big questions around both players right now. Like, which way is the manager going to go at Wembley?
“Ollie Watkins has been fantastic for Aston Villa, and I think Emery will play him. I think he will play him out of loyalty.
“It has to be said that Rashford has come in and scored four goals and got plenty of assists.
“It’s a big call to make from the manager. That’s what you get when you get great players and you strengthen so superbly, that’s what he gets paid big bucks for.“
Watkins must turn up for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
There is every chance that the ex-Brentford man is given the chance to start against the Eagles, but needs to make that chance count.
Rashford scored on his last outing and is bound to be itching to get back on the pitch at Wembley after winning the FA Cup with Manchester United last season.
Emery will be confident in his side’s ability with the quality of Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey behind the forward line, which could be telling.