Aston Villa must kick-start their season after the September international break
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)
Aston Villa enter the September international break stewing over a poor start to the campaign and a 3-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
The Eagles ended Villa’s 22-match unbeaten home run across all competitions, with Oliver Glasner’s side becoming the first team to win in B6 since October.
Now, Villa’s campaign must truly begin with a trip to Everton after the break on Saturday, November 13, following a strong end to the summer transfer window.
Unai Emery welcomed three new players on deadline day: Victor Lindelöf arrived on a free transfer, Jadon Sancho joined on loan, and Harvey Elliott also came in on loan - though he is set to become a permanent signing next summer for £35 million.
Martínez's important response
A fourth signing - a new number one goalkeeper - was on the cards earlier in the day. However, Manchester United ultimately opted to pursue a deal for Senne Lammens instead of Emi Martínez.
The Argentina number one was keen on a move to United, having expressed a desire to begin a new chapter in his career this summer. He was left out of Villa’s squad to face Palace on Sunday, as he was not in the right frame of mind to play.
It’s a messy situation, but Martínez has built up enough goodwill with most fans to win them back - provided he refocuses himself, the supporters, and his teammates as Villa look to kick-start their season after the break.
The ball is now in Martínez’s court. What Emery and his squad need is a clear sign that he’s ready to put the summer drama behind him and fully commit to the challenges ahead. The solution to making amends lies entirely within his power.
Kamara's injury recovery
Boubacar Kamara could return from injury in time for Villa’s trip to Everton - a potential major boost for the team.
He suffered a minor hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Brentford 11 days ago and was expected to miss between two to three weeks.
As the strain wasn’t viewed as serious, the midfielder could be on track to feature against the Toffees.
Amadou Onana is also currently sidelined with a hamstring issue, and his return date remains uncertain.
Against Palace, John McGinn partnered Youri Tielemans in central midfield.
Elliott, Sancho, and Lindelöf settling
Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho could both make their debuts for Villa against Everton, as could Victor Lindelöf - though the latter is more likely to feature only if an injury occurs in defence.
What’s key for all three is how quickly they can settle in at Bodymoor Heath. Fortunately, players like Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Axel Disasi have shown that integration can be swift when the environment is right.
The quicker this new trio adapts to their surroundings - and to Emery - the better.
Sancho, a member of United’s so-called “bomb squad,” may not yet be fully fit, but Villa will be making every effort to get him into peak condition.
Elliott, meanwhile, featured regularly in Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies but had always been planning to leave Arne Slot’s squad in search of more game time.
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