Emery drops Duran in 7 changes for predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Ipswich.
Aston Villa return to Premier League play on Sunday, following a midweek EFL Cup triumph against Wycombe Wanderers.
Unai Emery’s side prevailed handily to advance to the fourth round, with some academy graduates earning minutes in the main squad.
The goalkeeper was rested against Wycombe in midweek, enabling Joe Gauci to shine.
He surpassed the Argentine, making five saves and completing 87% of the passes during the game. Martinez, however, will return to the starting lineup against Ipswich.
The World Cup champion has yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season, and he hopes to change that tomorrow.
2RB: Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The goalie was rested against Wycombe in midweek, allowing Joe Gauci to flourish.
He outperformed the Argentinian, making five saves and completing 87% of passes during the match. Martinez will, however, return to the starting lineup for the game against Ipswich.
The World Cup champion has yet to maintain a clean sheet in the league this season, and he aims to alter that tomorrow.
2RB: Kosta Nedeljkovic
Lamare Bogarde began the previous two league games on the right side of defence, while Nedeljkovic faced Wycombe. Emery should remain with the Serbian, who completed 89% of passes and 100% of dribbles during midweek.
3CB, Ezri Konsa
Konsa was another player who was rested by Emery in midweek, since he did not appear in the entire matchday squad.
The Englishman has started every Premier League game this season, netting his first goal against Wolves in a 3-1 win.
He has forged a great relationship with Pau Torres, which Emery will again use against Ipswich this weekend.
4CB-Pau Torres
Although the combination has yet to keep a clean sheet, the foundation for a strong defensive relationship has been laid.
5LB, Ian Maatsen
The left-back performed admirably, completing 94% of his passes and preventing any opponents from dribbling past him. This undoubtedly earns him a start in the Premier League.
6CM – Youri Tielemans
Losing Douglas Luiz this summer was a blow, but Emery has found a more than competent substitute in Tielemans.
The Belgian, who was deemed “underrated” the Premier League Panel last season, is now a critical component of the starting XI and will play against Ipswich.
7CM – Amadou Onana
Onana began the EFL Cup match in midweek but was substituted in the 62nd minute. The summer addition has already scored three goals for Villa this season, including two in the league and one in the Champions League.
The manager’s decision to spend £50 million for Onana may have been viewed as a risk, but the midfielder has shown to be worth it.
8RW-Leon Bailey
The winger has yet to score this season, which is unexpected given his effectiveness in the final third during the 2023/24 campaign.
Against Wycombe, he made one critical pass, created one large opportunity, and was successful in two of his three dribbling attempts, but did not score.
He will be given another chance this weekend.
9 a.m. – Morgan Rogers
Rogers has been in top form for the Midlands this season. Although he has not yet scored in the top division, the kid has produced four great opportunities and averages 1.8 critical passes and 2.2 dribbles per game.
Impressive figures, and the guy should be fresh having being rested in midweek. Can he finally make the scoresheet for the first time this term? Only time will tell.
10LW – Jacob Ramsey.
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