Two players earn heroes’ welcomes as Unai Emery risks 10 changes - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Unai Emery is likely to rotate heavily as Aston Villa face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Villa play host to fellow Premier League club Palace on Wednesday night, eager to maintain their unbeaten streak to progress to the fifth round of the Carabao Cup.
Emery’s side haven’t lost any of their last 11 matches but the fixture congestion is ramping up and there are many opportunities for slip-ups. Every game is of course important but the Carabao Cup is the competition of the least priority, so rotation is likely to ensure the best players remain sharp.
That’s especially the case as the games that follow this one are against Tottenham Hotspur, Club Brugge and Liverpool. There’s then the hosting of Palace in the league before clashes with Juventus, Chelsea and Brentford. With that in mind, here are the 11 Villa players we reckon will start this Wednesday.
GK - Joe Gauci
Gauci has been the backup goalkeeper in matchday squads so far this season. It’d be good to see the Australian get a run-out.
RB - Kosta Nedeljkovic
The Serbian teenager has impressed when called upon so far but isn’t quite trusted for regular Premier League appearances. Cup minutes could be the way forward.
CB - Diego Carlos
Carlos’ future at the club was very uncertain in the summer but he stayed and remains a very good utility player.
CB - Pau Torres
Pau hasn’t looked fatigued at all despite the regular game time. Mings, meanwhile, isn’t quite ready to start but should come off the bench to a hero’s welcome.
LB - Ian Maatsen
The summer signing has played second fiddle to Lucas Digne so far this campaign but has shown good signs off the bench and during the odd start here and there.
CM - Boubacar Kamara
Kamara has played twice off the bench now and should be ready for a start. Just like Mings, he’ll get a hero’s welcome.
CM - Ross Barkley
Barkley has been excellent during his cameo appearances so far and deserves to start more games. It’s just tricky with Youri Tielemans so often a star man.
RM - Leon Bailey
Bailey hasn’t been in the best of form but this could be a good opportunity for him to play under less pressure and perhaps build some renewed confidence.
LM - Jaden Philogene
Back from his one-match suspension, Philogene could get a run-out in order to give Jacob Ramsey a rest. It makes sense.
CAM - Emiliano Buendia
Buendia has had to be patient for opportunities but this could be one as Emery hinted at rotation in most positions.
ST - Jhon Duran
With Ollie Watkins still the preferred striker in the Premier League, Duran is bound to start plenty of cup matches. It’s not enough, but it’s something.