Aston Villa face a real test of their Premier League title credentials tonight as they host champions Manchester City and Unai Emery has admitted he could make changes ahead of this crunch fixture.
In a recent interview with the Express & Star, the Aston Villa manager discussed the importance of rotating his squad across a hectic fixture schedule.
Unai Emery said: “Of course, we played on Thursday, Sunday and two matches next week. It’s difficult to set up the same starting XI in those matches.
“I am sure, not completely, but I think we will change something for Wednesday. We are trying to build a team, not only 11 players. I will give everyone chances. They have to feel important.”
One alteration he could make to the side that drew 2-2 against Bournemouth on Sunday is ditching Nicolo Zaniolo for Moussa Diaby.
How did Nicolo Zaniolo perform against Bournemouth?
Whilst Emery has insisted he’s building a team instead of focusing on just 11 players after opting to start Zaniolo over Diaby against the Cherries, the Villa tactician may have lived to regret that decision.
Zaniolo had a disastrous afternoon on the South Coast and was substituted for the Frenchman at half-time after struggling in the first 45 minutes.
With the Italian yet to score or assist in claret and blue since arriving on loan from Galatasaray, his display on Sunday further accentuated his problems.
The confidence-shot 24-year-old was wasteful in possession, only accurately placing three of his seven attempted passes (43%) and making zero successful dribbles, as per Sofascore.
When struggling to make an impact in the attacking third, it’s imperative for any player to work harder out of possession and unfortunately, Zaniolo didn’t reach the high levels demanded from his manager.
He committed two fouls, only won two of his eight attempted ground duels and made zero interceptions.
Indeed, it is an issue that well-known Villa podcaster Ty Bracey has alluded to since the Italian joined the club, as he said: “He gets very frustrated when things don’t go his way and I like that. He needs to stop the strops to the ref.”
That isn’t the sort of thing that Emery will want to see against the reigning champions at Villa Park tonight.
Why Moussa Diaby should start tonight
Despite putting in a terrible showing, the £60k-a-week ace will have the opportunity to redeem himself in the future given the congested fixture schedule, however, redemption isn’t likely against Manchester City
After coming off the bench to assist Ollie Watkins for his 90th-minute equaliser, Diaby made the instant impact that Emery craved and he should be in contention to start.
The Frenchman has been phenomenal since arriving for a club-record deal from Bayer Leverkusen, terrorising defences with his electrifying pace and fleet-footed dribbling while supplying the end product to match.
In 14 Premier League appearances, Diaby has grabbed three goals and five assists while striking up a telepathic partnership with Watkins that Emery will hope they can rekindle tonight.
