Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery must do something he has never done vs Burnley this weekend

Evan Lloyd

Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.

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Unai Emery will look to continue Aston Villa's turnaround on Sunday when his side face Burnley at Villa Park.

Villa are the favourites against Burnley, with confidence once again flowing through the team following three consecutive victories.

Last week, Villa Park was treated to wins against Bologna and Fulham, before Emery's side beat Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Thursday.

Bizot, in particular, stood out for Villa, with the Dutchman stepping in as a late replacement for Emi Martinez after the Argentine had been injured in the warm-up.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery
It has been a positive week for Villa (Credit: Imago)

Unai Emery has a perfect record vs Burnley

Emery is expected to make three changes for the Burnley game, with the Spaniard unlikely to want to make too many alterations to a winning team.

One player certain to keep his place in the starting line-up is Buendia. There was talk of the Argentine leaving in the summer, with the midfielder not expected to play much of a role this season.

But amid Villa's poor start to the campaign, the 28-year-old has seized his opportunity.

Emi BuendiaVs Feyenoord (A)
Minutes played71
Accurate passes22/26
Goals1
Chances created1
Tackles3
Duels won6

On Thursday, Buendia was excellent. Going forward, the former Norwich City man was composed and effective, finishing brilliantly for Villa's opener.

The midfielder did not forget his defensive work, either, and worked tirelessly to put his opposing defenders under pressure.

Emery will hope Buendia can, once again, play a key role on Sunday, as he looks to maintain a perfect individual record.

The Spaniard has faced off against Burnley five times throughout his time in England, winning on every single occasion.

Emery can do something against Burnley for the first time

Whilst Emery's record against Burnley remains perfect, there is one element the Spaniard can improve it with.

For three games in charge of Arsenal, and two in charge of Villa, Emery has never managed to keep a clean sheet against the Clarets.

The 2023-24 home Premier League fixture against Burnley actually saw the visitors score twice, in a narrow win for Villa.

Emery will hope Sunday can mark both his sixth win and his first clean sheet against the Clarets.

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