Unai Emery may make up to four changes to his Aston Villa starting XI for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, with Tyrone Mings potentially sidelined.
Aston Villa secured their first Premier League victory since mid-January on Saturday, defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Villa Park thanks to a brace from Marco Asensio.
Emery and his team will look to build on that success when they visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on February 25. A win could temporarily move them into fourth place.
However, Emery may be forced to make two changes, with two more possible alterations to the starting lineup.
Axel Disasi’s Return
As usual, Emiliano Martinez will start in goal for Villa, but changes may be made to the defense in front of him. Axel Disasi missed the Chelsea game due to a ban preventing him from facing his parent club, but he’s likely to return to the starting XI on Tuesday. However, he may have a new center-back partner, as he previously played alongside Boubacar Kamara and Mings.
Mings was substituted in the 59th minute against Chelsea after reporting knee discomfort. The English defender had won all five of his duels before being forced off, and his injury could rule him out of the Crystal Palace game [FotMob].
This opens the door for Ezri Konsa to retain his place in the lineup, having completed the most passes (82) against Chelsea, while Matty Cash is expected to continue at right-back.
Emery could also opt for a change at left-back, as Ian Maatsen struggled against Chelsea, winning only two of five ground duels (40%) and losing his only aerial duel. Lucas Digne may be reinstated to the lineup in his place.
Barring any surprises, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans will remain in midfield as part of a double pivot, with Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, and Kamara unavailable.
Rashford Set to Start
Morgan Rogers is another player who could drop out of the starting XI after taking a knock against Chelsea. Emery revealed that the attacker requested to be substituted during the match, which led to Donyell Malen’s introduction.
However, Leon Bailey may be given the nod ahead of Malen for the Crystal Palace game. The Jamaican international made a brief but impactful appearance against Chelsea, recording 11 touches, four of which came in the opposition box, and registering a shot on target.
Asensio is expected to continue in an advanced attacking role following his brace, and Marcus Rashford could be rewarded with a starting spot after his strong second-half display. The Manchester United loanee created three chances and took three shots, although both were blocked.
Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Villa.
