Aston Villa confirmed XI v Sheffield United: Unai Emery makes Youri Tielemans decision
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Aston Villa confirmed XI v Sheffield United: Unai Emery makes Youri Tielemans decision

Pranav Shahaney
Pranav Shahaney

Pranav is a sports journalist who over nine years of experience working inside newsrooms, including but not limited to News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald. He has graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He specialises in news related to takeovers, club finances and injuries.

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Unai Emery has named his Aston Villa XI to take on Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday, 3 February at Villa Park.

The Spaniard has opted to name the Belgium international in the playing eleven instead of Jacob Ramsey or Moussa Diaby.

According to Fbref, Tielemans' pass accuracy is among the worst 26 per cent in comparison to midfielders in Europe's top five leagues.

Having an accuracy of less than 80 per cent is certainly not something anyone at the club would be proud of.

With Ramsey and Diaby esque game changers on the bench, there is the feeling that Emery has been too passive with his selection of Tielemans.

He also attempts extremely few passes per game, averaging 54.88 every 90 minutes for Aston Villa.

His progressive carries are also just in the top 53 percentile and when compared to Ramsey it's not even close with him being in the top 97 percentile.

Tielemans was underwhelming against Newcastle as well so his inclusion here is surprising.

Ramsey's sale has been mooted and if Emery does not start him in such games, he may want to leave the club.

Aston Villa need a win against Sheffield United

Villa desperately need a win here as their recent form has been inconsistent and they need to regain momentum to maintain their challenge for a top-four finish or even the title.

Facing a struggling Sheffield United side presents an opportunity for Villa to secure three points and demonstrate their ambition.

Dropping points against a relegation-threatened team could dent their confidence and further hinder their aspirations for a successful season.

Leon Bailey looked mighty impressive in the game against Newcastle and it remains to be seen how much of an impact he has against the Blades.

In other Aston Villa news, a first-team player missing the Sheffield United game is also likely to be ruled out against Chelsea.

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