Ramsey benched, young gem gets his chance – Aston Villa predicted XI v St. Louis
Unai Emery could make several changes to his Aston Villa side from the one that drew with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Aston Villa‘s pre-season has certainly not gone to plan so far, with the Villans winless in their three fixtures so far this summer.
Defeats to Walsall and Hansa were followed up by a 2-2 draw away to Frankfurt on Sunday, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers on the bench.
On Thursday (31 July), Emery’s side will face St. Louis in Missouri, with several changes expected to their starting lineup.
Aston Villa to make four changes v St. Louis
With concern still raised over the future of Emi Martinez, Marco Bizot will likely be handed another start for the Villans, with Joe Gauci also set to play a part.
A back four of Matty Cash, Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa and Ian Maatsen could be the shape that Emery opts for, which would represent two changes from the clash with Frankfurt.
Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings could drop out of the starting 11, though they will almost certainly still feature towards the latter stages of the game.
Boubacar Karama and Youri Tielemans will likely be the go-to partnership for Villa this season, and Emery will be keen to see that grow further this summer, with both expected to start on Thursday.
Emi Buendia to get a chance to impress
Emi Buendia’s future remains unclear after his loan at Leverkusen last season, and it may be a case of him having to impress in pre-season.
He’s predicted to start wide right, with Leon Bailey on the opposite flank in place of Donyell Malen.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba could be handed another chance to showcase his ability, with Jacob Ramsey making way for him, amid links connecting him with an exit from Aston Villa.
Ramsey registered an average pass-success rate of 87 per cent in the Premier League last season, but his uncertain future is not helping matters.
Once again, Ollie Watins is expected to lead the line.
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