Aston Villa begin their Carabao Cup campaign against Premier League rivals Brentford on Tuesday evening - and extend their search for a first goal of the season
Unai Emery
Unai Emery(Image: Getty Images)
Unai Emery has pledged to give the Carabao Cup his full respect when the club take on Brentford in the their third round clash.
Misfiring Aston Villa have so far failed to find the back of the net in their four Premier League games and Emery will be hoping that this stat changes on the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Emery looks set to shuffle his squad with starts expected for Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho, and Victor Lindelof, whilst also giving game time to players who missed out against Everton.
Elliott came off the bench at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but could be set for his first start since his loan move from Liverpool, coming in on the right in place of John McGinn.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, is expected to replace Emi Buendia, while Donyell Malen could come in for Ollie Watkins up top.
Perhaps Emery's biggest headache will come in central midfield where Lindelof was forced to deputise at Everton, with Youri Tielemans joining Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana on the treatment table.
Fresh from signing a new contract in the summer George Hemmings could come in for his first senior appearance.
In defence Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen could be introduced while Marco Bizot will be hopeful of returning after losing his place in goal to Emi Martinez.
"We have to try to add players who joined in the last two weeks, who are getting fit and knowing our style and idea. Also, maybe someone who didn’t play today will be good to play on Tuesday," said Emery.
"It is a competition we will fight in and will try to get our best in. It is an opportunity for us, the club, and the player to get a title."
Which players would you like to see play against Brentford? Have your say here
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