Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is weighing up his options ahead of a crucial Premier League trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.
Villa Seek Momentum Against Struggling Eagles
The Villans head to London looking to build on their victory over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, which ended a brief stumble following an 11-match winning run. Their opponents, however, are in a starkly different vein of form. Crystal Palace are winless in their last seven matches across all competitions and have failed to secure a victory in their last six home outings.
Despite Palace's recent struggles, the historical record offers a stern warning for Villa. The Eagles boast a formidable home record against the Midlands club, having won nine of their 13 Premier League home games against them. This includes victories in six of the last seven and the last three consecutive meetings at Selhurst Park.
Team News and Selection Headaches
Both sides are dealing with significant injury absences. For Villa, the defensive duo of Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings remain sidelined, alongside midfielder Amadou Onana and the influential Ross Barkley. Forward Evann Guessand is also unavailable due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Emery is expected to keep faith with goalkeeper Emi Martinez, shielded by a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Ian Maatsen. The midfield double pivot should see Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans continue, with Morgan Rogers and John McGinn operating behind lone striker Ollie Watkins.
The Final Attacking Slot
The major selection dilemma for Emery lies in the final attacking role. The choice appears to be between Emi Buendia, Donyell Malen, and Jadon Sancho. While Malen is viewed as a potent impact substitute and Buendia has struggled for influence in recent starts, the stage may be set for Jadon Sancho to make only his second league start for the club.
The on-loan winger impressed from the bench against Chelsea and was subsequently handed a start in the defeat at Arsenal, putting him in contention for a key role against Palace.
Predicted Aston Villa starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Sancho, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
