Aston Villa Nottingham Forest Duran
Jhon Duran could feature for Aston Villa against Nottingham Forest (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Sat 14 December 2024 16:25, UK
Unai Emery has made a bold call by starting Jhon Duran as Aston Villa prepare to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Villans announced their team to start at the City Ground on X (14 December), which features two changes from the 3-2 win against RB Leipzig.
After a win in the Champions League, Emery will be keen to make it four wins from four in a return to Premier League action.
This has seen the Spaniard bring Duran and Tyrone Mings into his starting lineup while Pau Torres has dropped out.
Unai Emery makes bold Jhon Duran decision for Aston Villa v Forest
Although it may be a surprise to see the Colombia international starting, it isn’t a shock to see Emi Martinez starting in goal. The 32-year-old made four saves in Germany despite being involved in one frustrating error [FotMob].
Ahead of the Argentine, Emery has opted not to make a change as Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne start in the full-back roles. The France international completed three crosses and won four duels in a positive showing in Germany.
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In the centre of defence, Torres has been replaced by Tyrone Mings despite the ex-Villarreal man maintaining an 85 per cent pass completion rate in the Champions League. The Englishman is set to start alongside Diego Carlos.
Ahead of the back line, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara have maintained their roles in the midfield, with the latter registering a 100 per cent dribble and tackle success rate.
Out wide, John McGinn and Matty Cash are also starting once again, which makes sense after the Poland international contributed with five defensive actions and three shots in an all-action performance in Leipzig.
Morgan Rogers is also another man to maintain his spot in the starting XI after he completed six dribbles at the Red Bull Arena while also winning nine duels.
Up top is where Emery has been bold and opted to start Duran, who scored with one of his three shots against Leipzig for a 33% conversion rate, while also chipping in with a 100 per cent tackle win rate.
In other Aston Villa news, An Emi Buendia exit could now be on the cards as transfer news has now emerged.
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