‘Bright spark’ given nod in midfield as Unai Emery drops bombshell - Aston Villa predicted XI v Crystal Palace

Aston Villa’s long-awaited trip to Wembley is nearly here as Unai Emery’s side travel to the capital to take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday evening.

The Villans will be eager to make a marked response after Tuesday night’s disappointing last-gasp 2-1 defeat away at Manchester City. That was a gutting result as the Cityzens ran out victors in a crucial six-pointer in the race for Champions League qualification.

Emery’s men were in terrific form before that defeat, though, as they had won nine of their previous 10 games in all competitions. The men in claret and blue will be eager to rediscover some of that as they take on Palace under the famous arch.

There are many selection dilemmas for Emery to consider this weekend as he continues to have a fully-fit squad to select from. Does he pick Marcus Rashford or Ollie Watkins to lead the line? Who takes the number 10 role just in behind? Is Jacob Ramsey the best option on the left wing? Does Tyrone Mings deserve to start over Pau Torres at left centre-back?

All of these questions are justified and Emery will have been answering them in his head throughout this week.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace

With all of that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name at Wembley.

GK - Emi Martinez: The two-time Yashin Trophy winner will be frustrated to have conceded so many poor goals this season but will be determined to get back to form when it matters most.

RB - Matty Cash: Currently Villa’s best option at right-back, Cash should get the nod ahead of Andres Garcia. Axel Disasi, meanwhile, is cup-tied.

CB - Ezri Konsa: One of the first names on the team sheet, Konsa could be an outsider for the Player of the Season award. He’s been absolutely brilliant throughout 2024/25.

CB - Tyrone Mings: In immense form, Mings pushed Pau Torres out of the team against Newcastle and did excellently. Pau hasn’t been at his best recently, so Mings deserves to start.

LB - Ian Maatsen: Back to the bench at the Etihad, Maatsen could rotate in for Digne to offer a bit more energy and directness down the left flank. The Dutchman is finally showing signs of the potential he was signed for.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Pivotal to Villa for his strength and command at the base of midfield, Kamara can expect to stay in the lineup. He didn’t play well at Man City but it was probably just a rare off day.

CM - Youri Tielemans: Another player in contention for an award at the end of the season, Tielemans is one of Emery’s favourites.

RM - Morgan Rogers: Undroppable, not many players in world football can charge forward on the ball as well as Rogers does. He’ll be eager to impress under the arch.

LM - Jacob Ramsey: One of Villa’s own, Ramsey is often effective when deployed as an inverted left winger. He’s been a little hot and cold recently but was brilliantly just a month or so ago. He can be a bright spark.

CAM - John McGinn: The skipper earned a bit of a rest as he was only used as a substitute against Man City. McGinn deserves to lead out his side at Wembley.

ST - Marcus Rashford: Emery could drop quite the bombshell by leaving Ollie Watkins out of the starting XI again despite his goal and assist against Newcastle. Rashford appears to be Emery’s preferred option at the moment, as controversial as that might be.