Aston Villa travel to take on Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, and here’s how Unai Emery’s starting line-up could look for the game.
After a relentless December in which we played eight games across 27 days, this month promises to be less hectic as we play three times across all competitions.
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In turn, it remains to be seen if Emery feels as though he still needs to rotate, or if he will go as strong as possible to ensure his preferred starting XI is as fit and sharp as possible when we resume Premier League action next weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Villa boss confirmed Pau Torres, Robin Olsen, Youri Tielemans, Bertrand Traore and Lucas Digne have all been ruled out, and although that’s disappointing given the quality and experience in that group, we still have plenty of depth to ensure we put out a strong side at the Riverside Stadium.
Cash, Kamara come back in, how much rotation will we see?
With Olsen still sidelined, it’s unlikely that Emery will gamble by handing youngster Filip Marschall a start, and so we’re likely to see Emiliano Martinez continue in goal.
After missing our win over Burnley due to illness, Matty Cash is expected to return as Ezri Konsa could be shifted back inside in favour of Diego Carlos to partner Clement Lenglet, while Alex Moreno is arguably a guarantee to start with Digne ruled out.
Things become a little trickier to predict in midfield, as much will depend on how much rotation Emery is open to and who he feels could benefit from an extended rest.
After a three-game suspension, Boubacar Kamara is the most likely to start though as he builds his match fitness back up, and in order to get that all-important rhythm and balance back in midfield, our first-choice partnership with him and Douglas Luiz could be restored.
Given the expected tempo and intensity of this game, John McGinn is a likely lock-in to start too as he brings much-needed tenacity and energy, while Jacob Ramsey is still searching for his best form and so it would make sense for him to continue.
Emery could choose to rest a number of key players in the final third, as this could be a game that gives us a chance to sit out Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey. If that’s the case, that opens the door for Jhon Duran to start up top and lead the line, while Nicolo Zaniolo will be itching for another opportunity to impress too.
The Villa XI below remains strong and well balanced, and it should give us an excellent chance of advancing to the next round of the FA Cup. Emery may feel it’s an opportunity to make more changes or perhaps go stronger, but we’re likely to have great options on the bench either way too if needed, and hopefully we’ll successfully make it through unscathed.
