Evann Guessand gets final chance in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Newcastle
Aston Villa return to Premier League action against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Villa Park outfit travel to St James’ Park on 25 January, looking to continue their momentum from the 1-0 Europa League win over Fenerbahce.
Villa’s last league outing ended in defeat to Everton, and they will be keen to put that right against Eddie Howe’s side.
However, Unai Emery is expected to be without the likes of Emi Martinez, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara, so there may be some tough selection decisions.
What changes could Emery make for Newcastle vs Aston Villa?
Evann Guessand has been linked with a Villa exit, but he might get his last chance to impress against the Magpies as Emery is predicted to make three changes.
The Ivorian attacker has played 13 times for the Villans, although he has only started six times, suggesting that he is out of favour.
Guessand has returned just one assist in that time, and Emery may decide he has had enough if he does not perform.
Marco Bizot is predicted to stay between the sticks, with Martinez’s calf problem being assessed before kick-off.
Villa may not want to risk the Argentine getting reinjured, so the Dutchman could retain his place after playing against the Turkish side and making eight saves, per Sofascore.
The backline could see two changes, with Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen predicted to return in place of Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne.
The latter struggled against Dominico Tedesco’s side, creating no chances for his teammates and winning just one of the four aerial duels that he contested, for a 25 per cent success rate.
Lamare Bogarde impressed in Turkey, making five defensive contributions and winning four of seven ground duels, for a 57 per cent success rate.
Youri Tielemans created the most chances in the game with four, as he is predicted to partner the 22-year-old in the engine room.
Jadon Sancho is expected to be on the opposite wing to Guessand, he scored the only goal of the contest and had six touches in the opposition box in a lively performance last time out.
Morgan Rogers drew three fouls and created two chances, and he is predicted to get the nod in the number 10, with Ollie Watkins completing the line-up.
Why Guessand needs to impress vs Newcastle
Guessand has not justified the £26million fee that the B6 club paid for his services in the summer, nowhere near it.
So far, he does look like he is capable of adapting to the pace and physicality of the English top-flight, and that is a concern.
If he wants to have a future in claret and blue and be a part of Emery’s plans, he needs to perform if he is handed a chance against the fellow Champions League qualification contenders.
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