Unai Emery has dropped a selection hint on Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran ahead of their clash against Everton.
Aston Villa return from the international break at home to strugglers Everton, who have lost each of their three opening games.
Unai Emery’s men, on the other hand, have collected six points from a possible nine and will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run against the Toffees to 11.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is who starts at striker. Ollie Watkins has been deemed fit to start against Everton by Emery after an injury scare but Jhon Duran is banging on the manager’s door.
Unai Emery hints at starting Jhon Duran vs Everton
Whilst Watkins has struggled for form and fitness at the beginning of this season, the ‘special’ Duran has started like a house on fire, returning twice from the bench.
Duran scored the winner against West Ham, a club who tried to sign him in the summer, and then bagged a header at Leicester City.
The 20-year-old has put his previous troubles behind him by showcasing his incredible attacking potential, with Emery dubbing Duran one of the best young strikers on the planet.
Emery was happy that Duran stayed at Villa Park beyond the summer and has now hinted at starting the Colombian against Everton.
In his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard claimed that the young striker could play alongside Watkins while describing how ‘happy’ he is with both of his strikers.
“I’m happy; I want our players competing to increase [their level] and add their qualities to us,” Emery told Aston Villa’s website.
“There are two strikers in good form and they played together last year sometimes. We can repeat that again, better than last year because when they played together they weren’t in good connection on the pitch.
“I think Jhon Durán is getting more mature and he’s getting confidence. Ollie Watkins after his small problems and trying to get fitness quickly, is progressively feeling better.
“They can play individually or they can play together. I want the best from them from here until the end of the season. I am happy with those players in this form.”
- READ MORE: What the Colombian media said about Jhon Duran after his side get the better of Emi Martinez
Should Jhon Duran start against Everton?
With Watkins deemed fit enough after an earlier injury scare, many will expect him to lead the line on Saturday but a strong case can be made for Duran to start.
The Englishman could perhaps do with the extra rest ahead of their first Champions League match on Tuesday while Duran has done enough to warrant a starting place.
Of course, Watkins is the main man up top but against Everton, his striking rival could deservedly take the forward spot, especially after Emery’s latest hint.
That way, the Villa boss could see how he performs from the start and if things aren’t as planned, he can turn to his talisman from the bench.
