When Aston Villa is ready to play Burnley in the Premier League on December 30, Unai Emery might make four changes.
With the Red Devils rallying from a two-goal hole to defeat Manchester United 3-2, Emery may shuffle the roster before a matchup with 19th-place Burnley.
Having lost to Manchester United and drawn 1-1 with Sheffield United recently, the Villans will be keen to get back on track after missing out on the chance to lead the league on Christmas Day.
Boubacar Kamara, who received a red card against Brentford, will serve out the remainder of his ban. Matty Cash, who had five yellow cards, may be allowed to return to the starting lineup.
Tyrone Mings, Youri Tielemas, and Bertrand Traore are all expected to remain out, however Lucas Digne, who was substituted on Tuesday, might be added. While slipping into the net and chasing back to defend against Alejandro Garnacho, the Frenchman sustained an injury.
Pau Torres, who is recuperating from an injury, was able to start on the bench against Man United, giving Emery a boost and possibly forcing a defensive realignment.
It is anticipated that Emiliano Martinez will continue to start in goal. Villa’s recent game was unpleasant for everyone, but the goalkeeper’s four saves prevented an even more terrible outcome for the team. Additionally, he was able to keep up an astounding 94% pass rate. [FotMob]
Ezri Konsa was impressive in his right-back role, despite receiving a late booking for a sliding challenge on Garnacho. However, with Cash back, he is anticipated to return to his usual position at center back.
The Englishman won 67% of his tackles and 85.5% of the duels he engaged, which was the highest percentage of any player (11). He completed 108 touches while maintaining an 81% pass completion rate and 75% dribble succession.
Pau Torres may return to the starting lineup for the first time since the team’s 2-1 victory over Brentford, pushing Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet to the sidelines.
As Villa worries about Digne’s health, Alex Moreno might start his second Premier League game of the year. With 75% of his shots going on goal, the Spaniard is a strong offensive substitute for the Frenchman.
Emery might decide to move John McGinn back into central midfield to team with Douglas Luiz and achieve more control against Burnley, even in light of Leander Dendoncker’s outstanding performance on Tuesday night, which included a goal and an 89% pass completion percentage.
With a 100% dud rate, the Brazilian was Villa’s worst performer on Tuesday. Thus, the game against Burnley will be an opportunity for atonement.
Leon Bailey, who is anticipated to start for Burnley, will be looking to score against Burnley after managing a perfect shot accuracy against Man United but failing to overcome Andre Onana.
If Jacob Ramsey is to keep playing for the Villa team, he will need to get better. With just a 67% pass completion percentage, 0% tackle victory percentage, and 50% ground duels won, the 22-year-old may have one more chance to win over Emery before Nicolo Zaniolo takes his place.
Ollie Watkins was a problem for the Man United defence, but he failed to register a single goal and lost the most duels of everyone on the field, winning just 38% of them in the air or on the ground.
Moussa Diaby, who was benched against Erik ten Hag’s team, might be added back into the starting lineup, giving the Aston Villa midfield more attacking options to target.
