Emery axes Marco Asensio in four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Fulham
Unai Emery could make four changes to his Aston Villa side to face Fulham on Saturday, with Marco Asensio potentially set to drop out after the Crystal Palace disaster.
The Villans return to action at Villa Park on 3 May just a week after the failure of the FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley.
It is safe to say the feeling around the B6 club is still very raw for supporters after being humiliated by goals from Ismaila Sarr and Ebere Eze.
Now it is the job of Emery to turn things around as the Cottagers turn up to the Midlands as Villa look to maintain their hunt for a top-five finish.
With that in mind, dropping Asensio and going back to basics could prove to make sense against Marco Silva’s side.
Asensio axed for Aston Villa v Fulham
There was so much bad about Villa at Wembley that anyone could be at risk of losing their place.
Emi Martinez is certainly someone who is coming under fire but is bound to keep his place once again despite making just one save while conceding three against the Eagles [FotMob].
Ahead of the Argentine, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres may keep their places, with the latter lucky to do so after his error leading to Palace’s opener last time out.
This duo could be flanked by a new set of full-backs with Ian Maatsen and Andres Garcia potentially set to come in for Lucas Digne and Matty Cash. The Netherlands international came off the bench and kept up a 100 per cent dribble success, and is more than deserving of a start.
Moving into midfield, Emery could be set to go with his tried and tested duo once again with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara potentially in line to start. The Belgian struggled last time out but still won three tackles and created one chance, so he desveres the chance to continue in the side.
| Stat | Youri Tielemans | Boubacar Kamara | Total |
| Passes | 56 | 45 | 101 |
| Defensive actions | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Duels won | 7 | 5 | 12 |
Ahead of this duo, changes are likely to be made, with Morgan Rogers potentially the only one to keep his place despite a stinker at Wembley. The 22-year-old failed to complete a single dribble and lost seven duels, but as an Emery favourite, is likely to start once again.
The flanks could feature alterations with Jacob Ramsey and Donyell Malen potentially set to come in. The latter got two shots off despite only being awarded 11 minutes in the capital despite his recent positive impact. This could see Asensio drop to the bench after his 33 per cent duel win rate last time out.
Up front, Emery has little choice but to back Watkins despite his 18 touches and lack of impact in the semi-final. He needs to do much better, as does everyone else.
Aston Villa must win v Fulham
There are no excuses anymore for Villa not to perform for the rest of the season.
Supporters are fed up of excuses and being told by players like Digne to remember how poor things used to be before Emery came in.
Unfortunately, for a side who reached the Champions League quarter-finals this season, those sorts of excuses don’t wash.
The likes of Watkins, Rogers, Torres and Martinez all have a point to prove and have to start proving themselves to fans with a win against Fulham.