Alysson given first start as Unai Emery gambles – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Newcastle
Unai Emery could give January signing Alysson his full debut as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
Emery’s side welcome the Magpies to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon with both Premier League sides looking to advance to the fifth round of the competition.
Villa’s performances have been patchy as of late, but they managed to get over the line against Brighton on Wednesday evening, with a late Jack Hinshelwood goal giving them a 1-0 win.
Now attention turns to the FA Cup, though, as the West Midlands giants look to progress to the last 16 for the second consecutive season.
Unai Emery rings the changes for FA Cup
A break from the constant pressure of the Premier League should give Emery the opportunity to rotate his squad – although that would be considered a risk as silverware to Villa is important this term.
The likes of Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are already out with long-term injuries, and the Villa boss will be keen to maintain the fitness of the rest of his key players.
Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Jadon Sancho could all drop down to the bench in attack, with Leon Bailey, Tammy Abraham and Alysson replacing the trio.
It would be the latter’s first start for Villa since his January move from Gremio in Brazil.
Elsewhere, Ross Barkely could come into the midfield after recently returning from injury, replacing the cup-tied Douglas Luiz.
Lamare Bogarde would then move into midfield to give Amadou Onana a weekend off, with Victor Lindelof slotting in at right-back.
Marco Bizot has consistently been Emery’s cup goalkeeper, so will replace Emi Martinez, with Pau Torres an option if Ezri Konsa needs a rest at centre-back.
Alysson cameo should get Villa fans excited
Alysson made his debut for Villa against Brighton, coming off the bench for the final 16 minutes as the Midlands side went in search of a winner.
As shown by the Sofascore graphic below, the 19-year-old immediately got involved, getting crosses into the box and drawing fouls.
He had six touches in total, completing 2 out of four passes, and winning one free-kick.
There is no doubt that Alysson is still incredibly raw, but an FA Cup Fourth Round tie gives Emery the chance to expose him to more first-team minutes.
From what he showed in his limited game time against Brighton, Villa fans can get excited about the Brazilian winger.