The latest on Emiliano Martinez and why he is not in Aston Villa’s matchday squad vs Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez is absent from this evening’s side to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League amid speculation over a potential transfer to Manchester United.
Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier in the transfer window but it appeared he would be staying at the club when speculation died down before the start of the season. It’s all livened up right at the end of the transfer window, however, with United now making a last-ditch attempt to get a deal over the line.
It’s not guaranteed that Martinez will complete a move to Man Utd as Ruben Amorim’s side are also in advanced talks to sign Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Romano reports Villa have also held talks over Lammens in case Martinez leaves, so it’s a complex situation. Porto’s Diogo Costa is another shot-stopper being considered by the Villans.
In the meantime, summer signing Marco Bizot will play for Villa between the sticks. The 34-year-old, bought from Stade Brestois for a bargain fee earlier this summer, filled in against Newcastle United on the opening day when Martinez was suspended. Bizot played brilliantly that day and will be eager to impress again as Villa host Palace under the lights.
Aston Villa lineup vs Crystal Palace
Emery has gone with an exciting and pacy team to take on the Eagles, with Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen both named as starters alongside Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins in attack. Ian Maatsen comes in for Lucas Digne at left-back and Tyrone Mings is preferred to Pau Torres at left centre-half.
John McGinn drops into a deeper role to sit alongside Youri Tielemans in the midfield double pivot, whereas Ezri Konsa returns from his suspension to play next to Mings. Matty Cash retains his spot at right-back, with Bizot - as mentioned - in between the sticks.
Villa’s bench is definitely not at its strongest, as five of the nine substitutes are youngsters. Pau, Digne, Emiliano Buendia and Lamare Bogarde are the only first-team regulars on the bench, with Sam Proctor, Triston Rowe, Jamal Jimoh-Aloba, Bradley Burrowes and Travis Patterson all named by the boss.
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