Aston Villa are set to face Everton on Saturday as they look to continue their good start to the Premier League season.
The international break is finally over and Villa are set to return to action this weekend.
The 2024/25 campaign has been a good one so far for Unai Emery’s side. The club have picked up two victories out of a possible three as they aim to reach Europe once again.
Now that the international break has come to an end, their next challenge will be to continue their form on Saturday when they face a struggling Everton side.
Therefore, Aston Villa News has listed three players Emery must start in the fixture in order to pick up all three points.
Jhon Duran
One man who desperately needs a return to the starting XI is Jhon Duran. The striker has been one fire so far this campaign despite not starting a single game.
On the opening day, the Colombian striker netted a winner against West Ham. This was soon followed up by another important goal against Leicester City before the international break to secure another three points.
It has been a massive turnaround for the attacker. Duran looked likely to depart for West Ham in the summer but has now proved to be a vital player.
For the Everton clash, Duran simply must start. Ollie Watkins has struggled in the opening games and needs a rest which is the perfect opportunity to unleash the Colombian striker on the Toffees.
Read more: Which Aston Villa games are on TV this September?
Kosta Nedeljkovic
The Serbian has looked extremely promising since returning to Villa Park. The upcoming defender has made three cameos off the bench so far this season and has impressed.
Against West Ham, Kosta Nedeljkovic even became Villa’s 1000th player to take to the pitch.
Now, up against the Toffees, Emery should consider giving the defender his full debut. With Matty Cash injured, there is an opportunity for Nedeljkovic to make his way into the starting XI.
Everton are also out of form which will no doubt put less pressure on the youngster, especially in front of the home crowd.
Lucas Digne
Upon Ian Maatsen signing for Villa in the summer, many supporters would be forgiven if they believed the Dutchman would walk straight into the squad.
However, so far this campaign, Emery has opted to stick with the ever-reliable Lucas Digne at left-back.
In the opening three games, Digne has not disappointed, and the full-back picked up an assist in the 2-1 victory over Leicester.
Therefore, Emery would be mad to consider dropping the experienced defender when he is in form. Up against his former side in Everton, the Frenchman could once again do significant damage to the opposition and help continue the Claret and Blue’s form.
