Unai Emery risks angering entire Aston Villa fanbase with ‘devastating’ McGinn call
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery could be forced into a corner to start John McGinn against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
There is excitement building in B6 as the Villans prepare for their first Wembley trip for an FA Cup semi-final in ten years on 26 April.
After falling to a 4-1 defeat against the Eagles last time out, the team selection will be of huge importance for Emery in the capital.
With that being said, the Spaniard could be set to reintroduce McGinn back into the starting 11 as fans set out their demands at Villa Park.
Emery to start McGinn v Crystal Palace
The Scotland international has been at the centre of everything good about the Midlands outfit since signing from Hibernian in 2018.
The skipper has plenty of qualities which make him stand out, and have seen him continue to flourish since Emery was hired as head coach.
This was on show against PSG as arguably the best team in the world were left running scared from the 30-year-old as he curled in an excellent strike.
| Stat | John McGinn v PSG |
| Goal involvements | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 2 |
| Defensive actions | 3 |
| Duels won | 4 |
With that being said, there have been calls for the captain to start against Crystal Palace as the Villans eye up a place in the FA Cup final.
Former Brentford and Leicester City boss Martin Allen believes Emery will start McGinn to keep fans happy as they travel to Wembley.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “I think you have to play John McGinn. He is an integral part of the team at Aston Villa.
“He’s a top player, top athlete, great passer and he’s full of energy. He’s through and through for the team and I can’t imagine that Emery would leave him out of the side.
“I think that would have a devastating effect on the player, the team and the supporters.
“I don’t think the fans would be happy if McGinn was left out, no way.“
McGinn could shine for Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
There are plenty of dilemmas that Emery is being forced to deal with in the capital that could have a telling impact.
One of which is Marcus Rashford or Ollie Watkins, which has been discussed over and over again throughout the past week.
Although this is more controversial, the choice of whether to play Amadou Onana or McGinn will certainly be up for debate in the stands at the home of English football.
It will certainly be interesting to see who the Spanish head coach opts to select and what sort of impact they have against the Eagles.