In this article, we examine why Unai Emery should risk playing Aston Villa duo Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa away to Luton on Saturday.
Villa travel back down south on the weekend in another crucial game in their battle to achieve Champions League football.
Emery’s side have won their last two games and overcame Nottingham Forest last time out in a 4-2 victory at Villa Park.
However, while their next opponents may be in the relegation zone, it will no doubt be a tough test for Villa.
With a win very much needed if they are to ensure Champions League qualification, this article examines why Emery cannot afford to bench on duo in their upcoming match.
Unai Emery must start Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres against Luton
Villa received a big boost before their match against Luton. Emery confirmed in his latest press conference that both Konsa and Pau Torres will be in be in the matchday squad on Saturday after overcoming an injury.
However, he could not confirm if the duo would start in the fixture stating that he would assess the situation come Saturday morning.
Realistically, Emery must start one of the two defenders if they are to get the victory. Luton may be struggling but they have proved time and time again that they are more than capable of putting the ball into the net.
Only on Wednesday night, Luton put two goals past Man City in their FA Cup defeat. They also scored four times past Newcastle last month. In fact, the last time Luton didn’t score a Premier League goal was back in early November.
Without Konsa or Pau Torres, Villa’s defence has always looked fragile. Many fans only have to look at last week’s performance. As soon as Pau Torres came off, the hosts looked like they were going to concede every time Forest attacked until Leon Bailey put the game to bed.
With this match potentially having significant consequences on the Champions League race, Emery must start at least one of the duo in order to get a result.
Three points are vital against Luton
With only 12 games left of the campaign, a victory against Luton could well be vital. Three points are largely expected and if Villa do not pick them up, it gives Spurs and Man United another chance to catch up.
Realistically, in Villa’s current form, they should overcome the task presented in front of them. However, any slight error could cost them points.
Hopefully, Emery once again gets the tactics right for the fixture and Villa make in three Premier League wins on the bounce.
