Emi Martinez injury decision made as Unai Emery makes seven changes - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Cardiff City

Aston Villa round off an incredibly busy February with a highly-anticipated home FA Cup fifth round tie against Championship side Cardiff City on Friday night.

The Villans have a superb opportunity to reach the quarter-final stage of the world’s oldest domestic cup competition for the first time since 2014, when they lost 4-0 to Arsenal in the final at Wembley Stadium. Unai Emery has been determined to achieve cup success with Villa and progressing to the last eight this year would be a great way of moving closer to doing just that.

Emery is bound to show plenty of respect to his opponents this Friday despite the obvious gulf in quality between the two sides. Cardiff are currently 19th in the Championship but they’ve had to beat the likes of Stoke City and Sheffield United to reach this stage, putting in spirited performances in both of those matches.

There are several selection dilemmas for Emery to consider under the lights at Villa Park as the head coach looks ahead to next Tuesday’s more important UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg away at Club Brugge. Many key players are in need of a rest, so we’re expecting plenty of rotation and some minutes for fringe players.

That doesn’t undermine the FA Cup by any means, it’s just the best strategy - most would argue - with Brugge the tougher opponent. Cardiff are also expected to play a weakened side as they are only six points above the Championship relegation zone and must prioritise their league form as a result.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Cardiff

Without further ado, here’s the XI we reckon Emery will name against the Bluebirds.

GK - Robin Olsen

Albeit a poor performer against Crystal Palace in the 4-1 defeat midweek, Olsen is likely to start as Emi Martinez has some tightness in his hamstring. It’s a risk Villa cannot afford to take.

RB - Andres Garcia

The Spaniard needs to build some confidence and a win against Cardiff would help with that. Matty Cash, meanwhile, is a doubt with a minor injury.

CB - Axel Disasi

Signed from Chelsea for a signfiicant £5 million loan fee, Disasi will be utilised in plenty of fixtures between now and the end of the season.

CB - Tyrone Mings

Available to start again after a slight pain in his knee against Chelsea, Mings will be desperate to put on a better display following a few shaky performances.

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 - Lamare Bogarde

A great rotation option, Bogarde could remain in the XI to finally allow John McGinn to have a rest ahead of next week’s clash at Brugge.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans is another player who could do with a rest but taking both him and McGinn out could disrupt the balance of the team. The game comes too soon for Ross Barkley.

RM - Leon Bailey

Bailey had a terrific 20 minutes off the bench in the win over Chelsea and deserves an opportunity to start, especially with Morgan Rogers in need of a game off.

LM - Marcus Rashford

Rashford was signed for the here and now, so it was a surprise to see him benched at Palace. The Manchester United loanee should start most matches.

CAM - Marco Asensio

Asensio should be able to terrorise Cardiff’s defence with relatively little effort, as is his immense ability on the ball.

ST - Donyell Malen

Not utilised as often as he would’ve hoped since signing, Malen simply has to start against lower-league opposition. He could soon grow frustrated otherwise.