Aston Villa star Leon Bailey is an injury doubt for the clash against Everton and that has left Unai Emery with a potential tactical decision to make.
In Friday’s pre-match press conference, Unai Emery dropped an injury update on his key Aston Villa players.
Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa were deemed fit to play against Everton this evening while Emery is still undecided as to whether winger Leon Bailey is available, though he didn’t rule out his inclusion.
“Leon Bailey is still a doubt for tomorrow,” Emery explained. “We are going to decide with him if he is going to be with us or not.”
The 27-year-old was forced off with a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over Leicester City before the break and was replaced by Jacob Ramsey, who is the obvious replacement for Bailey if he isn’t fit to make the squad.
However, perhaps the Spanish boss could include a different player on the right who would help massively against Everton’s low block.
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Why Unai Emery should consider starting Jaden Philogene against Everton
Jaden Philogene returned to the club in a £13 million deal from Hull City this summer after impressing in the Championship.
Philogene produced some astonishing moments in the second tier, including a rabona goal against Rotherham United as he tallied 12 goals and six assists.
The 22-year-old has since made just one appearance for Villa in the Premier League, coming off the bench for 16 minutes against West Ham, but there are several reasons why Emery should consider putting him in the starting XI here.
In the absence of Bailey, Villa would miss his searing pace and directness in attack that is perfect for breaking down a low block.
Philogene – who is known for his incredible speed and dribbling – could be the ideal replacement for Bailey on the right.
After all, he did average 4.88 progressive carries and 2.79 successful take-ons per game in the Championship last term, so his skillset is well-equipped to unlock a defensive-minded team.
Of course, Philogene’s inclusion would mean that Ramsey would perhaps miss out after impressing in the first three games but that is a decision Emery has to make.
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How Everton will approach Aston Villa challenge
Villa are unbeaten in 10 matches against Everton since returning to the Premier League in 2019.
Last season, the Villans beat the Toffees 4-0 at Villa Park and Emery’s men will be aiming for a similar scoreline here.
Sean Dyche, though, is more than likely going to set up his side in a low back in an attempt to frustrate the hosts.
Everton have lost their opening three games and can ill-afford to come out and attack, otherwise, Villa would just pick them off with ease.
Instead, the visitors can expect to not have much of the ball and play on the counter, which is why unleashing a weapon like Philogene could be handy in this scenario.
