Aston Villa Nottingham Forest Torres
Pau Torres may not feature for Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Thu 12 December 2024 11:09, UK
Unai Emery could axe Pau Torres in three changes to the Aston Villa starting XI ahead of a trip to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Villans secured their third win on the bounce on Tuesday (10 December) against RB Leipzig as a late Ross Barkley effort deflected in.
Now attentions turn away from the Champions League back to the Premier League with a trip to the City Ground on 14 December with a view to earning three points once again.
This won’t be easy, so Emery could make multiple changes to combat Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who currently sits fifth in the table.
One position that picks itself for the Spaniard is in goal as Emi Martinez is set to keep his place despite making a mistake at the Red Bull Arena. The 32-year-old still made four saves and ultimately helped the Villans to secure a brilliant win [FotMob].
Ahead of him, Matty Cash could drop back into right back while Ezri Konsa slides across to centre back, to replace Diego Carlos, after winning 100 per cent of tackles against Leipzig. Lucas Digne could also keep his place in the side after winning four duels and completing three crosses last time out.
MORE VILLA STORIES
Torres may be dropped from the side despite maintaining an 85 per cent pass accuracy in Germany while Emery also looks to combat the physicality of Chris Wood with Tyrone Mings. The former England international won five aerial duels in his last start which points towards that being an ideal change.
Unai Emery to hand Jhon Duran Aston Villa start v Nottingham Forest
The midfield duo ahead of the defence is likely to stay the same with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara set to start again after the latter registered two tackles and three other defensive actions last time out.
Moving forward, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers look set to keep their places in the side and may be joined by Jaden Philogene. The winger completed a dribble while also maintaining a 100 per cent tackle success in his last appearance which could make him a useful asset up against Forest.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa predicted XI v Nottingham Forest
Emery has a decision to make up front but after his substitute cameo, there is a chance that Duran is handed a deserved start. The Colombia international scored while also winning four duels and one tackle in an all-action performance which could see him start ahead of Ollie Watkins again in the Premier League.
In other Aston Villa news, Troy Deeney has shared an £80m Jhon Duran admission after the latest Manchester United transfer update.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us onFacebook or join our brand newWhatsAppchannel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts