Aston Villa Manchester City Watkins
Ollie Watkins could feature for Aston Villa v Manchester City (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Wed 18 December 2024 16:21, UK
Unai Emery could axe Matty Cash in a tactical tweak to the starting XI as Aston Villa prepare to face Manchester City on Saturday.
The Villans welcome the Premier League champions to Villa Park on 21 December with a view to bouncing back from defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola’s side will also be keen to return to winning ways as their Manchester Derby loss represented one win in 11 games.
As Emery looks to get another home win against the Cityzens, the Spaniard could make one change to his side while also leaving Ollie Watkins out again.
One star that shouldn’t be missing from the starting XI against City is Emi Martinez after his heroics against Forest. His world-class save will live long in the memory and was complemented by a 97 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob].
Ahead of him, the backline could be set to stay the same with Pau Torres and Diego Carlos keeping their places after the latter contributed with 10 defensive actions at the City Ground.
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At full-back, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa will be hopeful of starting in B6 especially after the England international won six duels and kept up a 92 per cent pass completion rate last time out.
Unai Emery to axe Matty Cash for Aston Villa v Manchester City
Emery could opt to make a tactical change in the midfield with Amadou Onana available to come in alongside Boubacar Kamara. The former Everton man made one clearance and won one duel in a 16-minute cameo against the Reds and could now be in line to start for the first time since November.
This change would force Youri Tielemans into the number 10 role which could suit him after completing 22 passes while creating one chance last time out.
With the Belgium international starting further forward, Morgan Rogers could move out onto the flank in place of Cash. The 27-year-old won just 33 per cent of tackles against his former side and only completed one dribble from three attempts.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Manchester City
Aston Villa predicted XI v Manchester City
John McGinn could maintain his role as a wide midfielder after a positive showing against Forest as he grabbed an assist while also contributing defensively with a 100 per cent tackle-win rate.
At the focal point of the side, Emery could be set to trust Jhon Duran again from the start after netting three goals in three games. This would see Watkins remain on the bench after failing to contribute with just 13 touches last time out.
In other Aston Villa news, fans were left in shock after “ridiculous” scenes went viral on Tuesday night.
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