Aston Villa: Emery Contemplates Unleashing 'Unstoppable' Talent, Potentially Forgetting Duran

 

Aston Villa: Emery Contemplates Unleashing 'Unstoppable' Talent, Potentially Forgetting Duran

Aston Villa's return to the Europa Conference League is eagerly anticipated, as they strive to secure their first points in the competition against current Group E leaders, Zrinjski.

In their previous outing in this tournament, Unai Emery's team suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Legia Warsaw in Poland, a result that saw them languish at the bottom of the group. This setback underscores the importance of tonight's match, where Villa faces the dual challenges of injuries and potential squad rotation.

What's the latest Aston Villa team news?

In a recent pre-match press conference, the four-time Europa League-winning manager disclosed that his squad had been hit with a triple injury blow following their dominant 6-1 victory over Brighton. Moussa Diaby, Boubacar Kamara, and Jacob Ramsey are the latest casualties in the Villa camp. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Leon Bailey has returned to the fold after a period on the sidelines.

With a demanding schedule ahead, Emery emphasized the necessity of securing a victory this evening after the disappointing result in Warsaw. Villa Park is poised to provide the squad with the necessary support in what promises to be a dramatic night in Birmingham.

Squad selection and the need for a win:

One crucial aspect to consider regarding squad selection is the extent to which Emery will rotate his team. In the previous match against Legia, he made changes to the defense, midfield, and forward line, yielding limited positive results.

Should Ollie Watkins start against Zrinjski?

Against Legia, 19-year-old Jhon Duran took Ollie Watkins' place in the starting lineup, a decision that paid off as the Colombian striker found the net within six minutes of play. However, there's a strong case for Watkins to return to the starting lineup against Zrinjski, especially considering his outstanding form. Watkins delivered a flawless performance, scoring a hat-trick against Brighton in the league last weekend, earning praise as "unstoppable" from Premier League veteran Jamie Carragher.

Watkins is a talismanic figure in the Villa squad who can significantly influence the outcome of a game. In his last outing, he displayed his prowess by scoring three goals from just four shots on target, earning a perfect match rating of 10 according to Sofascore. Watkins showcased his efficiency in front of goal, with only 41 touches during the game, yet making them count with five key passes and three goals.

Emery and Villa are fully aware of the importance of clinching victory in front of their home crowd. Zrinjski, despite winning their opening game, demonstrated vulnerability by conceding three goals from eight shots on target against AZ Alkmaar. Their ability to secure the win with just 28% possession underscores the opportunity that Villa has to exploit their defensive weaknesses.

In conclusion, Emery may opt for an attacking approach by reinstating Watkins in the starting lineup for this must-win game, given his impressive recent form and ability to unsettle the opposition.