Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Aston Villa could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has another massive decision to make up front for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Villa Park.
The Spaniard dropped star striker Ollie Watkins for super sub Jhon Duran in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Bologna, where the Colombian repaid his boss’ faith with his side’s second of the evening.
However, Duran should now retake his usual seat on the bench as Watkins endeavours to prolong a hot streak versus the Cherries, whom he has scored one and set up four goals against in his last three games.
Emery’s only absentee for Saturday’s game ought to be Jaden Philogene, who serves a one-game ban following his red card against Fulham last weekend, but the Villa manager may rejig his attack either way.
Amadou Onana was taken off at half time both for tactical and precautionary reasons – Emery confirmed that he felt some pain – so the Belgian may be spared from the off as John McGinn drops into a deeper role alongside Youri Tielemans.
McGinn moving into midfield would open up a spot for Jacob Ramsey to rejoin Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey in attack, while Matty Cash and Lucas Digne could provide fresh legs in the full-back areas over Ezri Konsa and Ian Maatsen.
There should be no alteration to the central pairing of Diego Carlos and Pau Torres, though, while Emiliano Martinez dons the gloves as ever.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins
> Click here to see how Bournemouth could line up for this clash
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