After defeat in midweek at Man City, Villa will be keen to produce a winning response as we continue to pursue Champions League qualification for next season.
A victory today is essential to attempt and keep holding off Tottenham, even though fifth place may very well prove to be sufficient to guarantee a spot at Europe’s top table. Emery and the players will definitely want to finish as high as possible in the rankings.
More bad news this week regarding injuries came from Emery’s confirmation that Jacob Ramsey’s season is finished. Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, who missed Wednesday night’s game at the Etihad due to sickness and a hamstring injury, respectively, were scheduled for late fitness tests.
It was hoped that both would start for Villa given their stature and impact on the team, with captain John McGinn serving as a crucial midfield addition upon his return from a three-game ban.
According to Villa’s tweet below, Emery made six changes from midweek altogether, including the return of Pau Torres, Leon Bailey, and Youri Tielemans. Martinez, McGinn, and Watkins all made a treble boost to the starting lineup.
Despite our season-long injury problems, this Villa team is powerful, and with good balance around the pitch, it should be enough to grab all three points and, with them, a significant step closer to our goal.
In addition, we have outstanding young players on the bench and strong choices, so if adjustments are needed to win, Emery will have faith in his group to provide the necessary outcome.
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