Senior debut for ‘superb’ winger as Unai Emery rotates in Carabao Cup - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wycombe
A teenager could make his debut as Aston Villa travel to Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round.
The Villans are back in action on Tuesday night as they take on League One side Wycombe, merely three days after the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side, currently 50 places above Wycombe in the English footballing pyramid, will be keen to carry on their momentum following five wins in six matches across all competitions so far.
Tuesday’s opponents are ninth in League One having won three and drawn one of their opening six games, while they beat Swansea City 1-0 away from home to progress to this stage of the Carabao Cup.
Although it’s the lowest priority competition in Emery’s mind, the head coach will be eager to win and keep another trophy up for grabs for as long as possible. As a result, we reckon the lineup named at Adams Park will still have some elements of strength to it, albeit with lots of rotation.
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wycombe
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 - Lamare Bogarde
Bogarde was in the league XI only a couple of weeks ago before dropping to the bench against Wolves. He’s proving to be a useful rotation option.
CB - Diego Carlos
Carlos’ future at the club was very uncertain in the summer but he’s here and should be utilised. Mistake aside, he had an alright game at the weekend.
LB - Ian Maatsen
The summer signing played the second half against Wolves and impressed, providing great width down the left. He provides great competition for Lucas Digne.
CM - Amadou Onana
Onana playing should allow others in the team - particularly the debutant - to have a little more license to roam. The Belgian is a superb physical presence.
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 is back after his brief spell out with a hamstring problem and his energy down the flank should unlock Wycombe rather quickly.
LM - Emiliano Buendia
Buendia is still building sharpness after his return from a serious knee injury and this is a great opportunity to get a start in the tank. It’s great to see the Argentine back!
CAM - Kadan Young
The 18-year-old signed a new long-term deal last week and is bound to make his senior debut soon. This could be the night for the superb young winger, with a spot up for grabs behind the striker while Morgan Rogers is rested.
ST - Jhon Duran
Duran has been on the fringes of the XI for a while and has rather stupendously scored off the bench in all five Premier League matches.