Emery to axe defensive trio amid four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Burnley

When Aston Villa is ready to play Burnley in the Premier League on December 30, Unai Emery might make four changes.

 

With the Red Devils rallying from a two-goal hole to defeat Manchester United 3-2, Emery may shuffle the roster before a matchup with 19th-place Burnley.

Having lost to Manchester United and drawn 1-1 with Sheffield United recently, the Villans will be keen to get back on track after missing out on the chance to lead the league on Christmas Day.

Boubacar Kamara, who received a red card against Brentford, will serve out the remainder of his ban. Matty Cash, who had five yellow cards, may be allowed to return to the starting lineup.

 

Tyrone Mings, Youri Tielemas, and Bertrand Traore are all expected to

remain out, however Lucas Digne, who was substituted on Tuesday, might be

added. While slipping into the net and chasing back to defend against Alejandro

Garnacho, the Frenchman sustained an injury.

 

Pau Torres, who is recuperating from an injury, was able to start on the bench

against Man United, giving Emery a boost and possibly forcing a defensive realignment.

It is anticipated that Emiliano Martinez will continue to start in goal. Villa’s recent game was unpleasant for everyone, but the goalkeeper’s four saves prevented an even more terrible outcome for the team. Additionally, he was able to keep up an astounding 94% pass rate. [FotMob]

Despite picking up a late booking for a sliding challenge on Garnacho, Ezri

Konsa was impressive while deputising at right-back but will be expected to

move back into his preferred centre-back position with the rearrival of Cash.

The Englishman made 108 touches, maintaining an 81 per cent pass completion, and 75 per cent dribble

succession, winning 67 per cent of his tackles and 85.5 per cent of the duels he

entered – the most duels won out of anyone (11).

 

Pau Torres could come back into the side for the first time since the 2-1 victory

over Brentford, which could see Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet demoted to the bench.

 

With Villa sweating over the fitness of Digne, Alex Moreno could start his second Premier League match of the

season. The Spaniard is a good attacking replacement in the Frenchman’s

position, boasting 75 per cent of his shots being on target.

 

Despite Leander Dendoncker’s brilliant display on Tuesday night, with a goal and 89 per cent pass completion, Emery may

opt to push John McGinn back into central midfield to partner with Douglas

Luiz, gaining more control against Burnley.

With a 100% dud rate, the Brazilian was Villa’s worst performer on Tuesday. Thus, the game against Burnley will be an opportunity for atonement.

Leon Bailey managed a 100 per cent shot accuracy against Man United but was unable to beat Andre Onana so will be hoping to get on the scoresheet against Burnley, with the Jamaican expected to keep his spot in the starting XI.

 

Jacob Ramsey will need to improve if he is to continue his run of games in the Villa side. With only a 67 per cent pass completion, 0 per cent of his tackles won and only 50 per cent of his ground duels won, it could be a final chance for the 22-year-old to convince Emery before he is replaced by Nicolo Zaniolo.

 

Ollie Watkins was a nuisance for the Man United backline but was unable to record a single shot while only winning 38 per cent of his duels on the ground or in the air, losing the most duels out of anyone on the pitch.

Moussa Diaby, who was benched against Erik ten Hag’s team, might be added back into the starting lineup, giving the Aston Villa midfield more attacking options to target.