Aston Villa turn their attention to the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday night as they host fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Unai Emery’s men need to pick themselves back up after throwing away three points against Bournemouth, with Evanilson equalising in the 96th minute to share the spoils.
The draw at home leaves Aston Villa still fourth in the Premier League and unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, last tasting defeat against Arsenal in August.
Although qualifying for the Champions League is Emery’s most important aim, the Spaniard would also love to win some silverware, and the Carabao Cup represents a great shot at glory.
Villa will host Crystal Palace in the last 16 on Wednesday night, a side that have won just one Premier League game this term, although that did come out last time in an impressive victory over Tottenham.
Aston Villa team news vs Crystal Palace
Emery could use the cup clash to rest some of his first-team stars and shuffle his squad.
The Spanish tactician will want to manage matches across three competitions efficiently, and starting some of his fringe players could be the plan.
Jaden Philogene – who was sent off in the win over Fulham – is back after serving a one-match suspension against Bournemouth.
Philogene could return to the starting XI on Wednesday night as Villa fortunately don’t have any fresh injury concerns following Saturday’s match, and that will be music to the ears of Emery.
So, with that said, here’s how Aston Villa could line up against Crystal Palace.
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Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace
After being crowned the world’s best goalkeeper for the second year running, Emi Martinez will likely start against Palace, despite the opportunity to play second-choice stopper Joe Gauci.
The Australian international did start in their last outing in his competition – a 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers – but he may remain on the bench here.
Emery could give some of his starting defenders a rest, with only Pau Torres surviving from the draw against Bournemouth.
He should start alongside the ‘class’ Lamare Bogarde, Diego Carlos and Ian Maatsen, with Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne all dropping out.
Barkley has impressed from the bench this term, continuing that trend against the Cherries, and he should get the nod on Wednesday, perhaps starting next to Boubacar Kamara.
Kamara has made a few substitute appearances and could make his first appearance in a starting XI since February.
Villa could also change their whole front four from Saturday’s win, including Emi Buendia starting over Morgan Rogers in the number 10 after scoring in the last round against Wycombe.
He should be joined by Leon Bailey and Jaden Philogene on either wing, with Jhon Duran leading the line in place of Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Bogarde, Carlos, Pau, Maatsen; Kamara, Barkley; Bailey, Buendia, Philogene; Duran.
