Should Unai Emery persist with George Hemmings? Aston Villa assessment ahead of Nottingham Forest
Unai Emery has a big call to make on George Hemmings ahead of Aston Villa's must-win game against Nottingham Forest.
The youngster has earned a place in Emery's starting lineup early doors this campaign after an impressive pre-season.
He has started each of the Villans' four games in all competitions this season, including a first win of the campaign, which came in the 3-2 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday.
But Emery's side have yet to score a goal in the Premier League, let alone get three points, so altering his starting choices in the final third will be on the Spaniard's mind.
The Villans have other left-winger options, such as Alejandro Garnacho and Ibrahim Mbaye, who is yet to make his debut after joining the B6 side ahead of the deadline.
If Hemmings doesn't start for Aston Villa against Nottingham Forest, he could be in trouble, but what decision should Emery make?
George Hemmings assessed ahead of Nottingham Forest
Villa host Oliver Glasner's side at Villa Park on Saturday, with both sides yet to win in the Premier League.
The last eight meetings in B6 between the sides have produced 36 goals in total at an average of 4.5 per game.
But the Villans are only the second team to go scoreless in the opening three top-flight games of consecutive seasons.
That said, a big decision will need to be made on Hemmings, who splits the opinion of Villa fans.
The 19-year-old started in the 3-2 Champions League win over Club Brugge, but had several chances to score.
He missed two big chances after generating an xG of 0.58, with only 25 per cent of his shots going on target.
He completed 33 per cent of his dribbles and only managed two passes into the final third, also losing six ground duels.
The attacker played the full 90 minutes and had the least amount of touches, with 35, out of the Villa players who lasted the full game.
Ultimately, he was part of the lineup for Villa's first win of the season, and they say not to change a winning side.
Why Hemmings axe would be worst news for Aston Villa youngster
Hemmings clearly has bags of potential; otherwise, Emery would not waste his time with the teenager.
He has only played nine senior games in total, and has no previous experience out on loan in lower leagues.
He may need time to adapt, but as soon as Garnacho or Mbaye come into the mix, he will be on borrowed time.
That's unless Hemmings can make an impact against Forest, which may be his last chance to start and impress.