Arsenal's Spanish head coach Unai Emery reacts during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
The Villans enter Wednesday’s Carabao Cup contest on home turf (27 September) fresh off an impressive 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday making two Premier League wins in a row to now sit sixth in the table with 12 points from a possible 18 on offer.
And the Spaniard will be looking to unleash an assault on the domestic cups this season which means he could name a strong starting line-up against the Toffees but with a number of changes to freshen up the team
In goal, Emi Martinez is expected to continue between the sticks for the West Midlands outfit after a sensational individual performance against Chelsea on Sunday (24 September) where he registered an impressive four saves, recorded a 1.64 goals prevented while also registered 100% successful runs out of his goal.
The Argentinian once again proved his undisputed status as Emery’s number one and had it not been for him, Emery and his men would not have returned with the three points, but zero. Got to start.
In front of him, Emery will be looking for some continuity in his back-line but could be tempted to make one change at left-back with Alex Moreno handed his first start since his injury return in place of Lucas Digne
Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa will be expected to keep their place at the heart of the Aston Villa defence to strengthen their harmony and relationship as they showcased their dominant selves in the win over Chelsea
At right-back, the same goes for Matty Cash who will be expected to continue at full-back after Calum Chambers’ poor showing against Legia Warsaw in Thursday’s disappointing defeat
In midfield, the former Villarreal and Sevilla manager could hand a rare start to Leander Dendoncker who will be looking to impress his manager and force himself into his thinking. The Belgian still possesses all the attributes needed to thrive against the Aston Villa defense and this is why Emery may have chosen to keep hold of him after much interest in the summer, especially especially from the next opponent on Wednesday. What better way to prove his worth and show Everton what they are missing?
The Belgium international certainly made an impressive defensive contribution last season, finishing the 2022/23 season in the 97th percentile for the number of interceptions made by Premier League midfielders last season (1 .88 per 90) as well as being in the top 1% of his opponents for clearances (2.07 per). 90) and passes blocked (1.68 per 90), such defensive numbers certainly make him an underrated product at Villa Park. [FBREF]
Dendoncker should line up in midfield to replace Boubacar Kamara, with Douglas Luiz keeping his place ahead of Youri Tielemans, who will likely be disappointed not to start this match. However, this is an important decision that Emery will have to make before the match. In attack, Nicolo Zaniolo and John McGinn could face brutal punishment after their underwhelming performances at Stamford Bridge, including the former.
The Italy international completed just 60% of his passes, won a total of just 6 of his 17 duels for a miserable 35% and lost possession 21 times [SofaScore] in a lackluster performance pale in the capital.
McGinn certainly hasn’t impressed either and his recent form since the international break could become a concern for Emery, who could be handed his first start of the campaign. behind Ollie Watkins, who scored the elusive goal at Stamford Bridge and his first goal. Premier League goals of the season.
