As Aston Villa gears up for an important EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, October 30, manager Unai Emery is expected to implement significant changes to his starting lineup.
Reports suggest that the Spaniard could make as many as eight alterations to the squad that recently drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, as he looks to balance squad rotation and maintain competitiveness in this crucial cup match.
In their last EFL Cup outing, Villa demonstrated their depth by making substantial changes to the team, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers. Only midfielder Amadou Onana retained his place in that fixture, highlighting Emery’s willingness to experiment and adapt his tactics. Despite facing Premier League opponents this time, the Villa manager is likely to continue this trend, suggesting that numerous players could see action.
Goalkeeping Changes
One of the most notable changes may come in goal, where first-choice keeper Emi Martinez could be rested. In his place, Robin Olsen might be handed the opportunity to start for the first time this season. Olsen’s inclusion could be a strategic decision aimed at preserving Martinez for more pivotal league encounters while also allowing the Swedish international to prove his worth.
Defensive Adjustments
In the backline, Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash are expected to retain their positions after solid performances against Bournemouth. Konsa has been particularly impressive this season, boasting an astonishing 93 percent passing accuracy and a 100 percent success rate in ground duels, making him a critical figure in Villa’s defensive setup. His consistent display of skill and leadership makes it incredibly difficult for Emery to justify dropping him.
Completing the defense, Ian Maatsen and Diego Carlos could be brought in, especially following Maatsen’s encouraging cameo against the Cherries. The young defender won all of his aerial duels and delivered 100 percent of his crosses during his brief appearance, suggesting he could add a dynamic edge to the back four against Palace.
Midfield Restructuring
However, the midfield has faced challenges, particularly the partnership of Onana and Youri Tielemans, who struggled during the match at Villa Park. Both players received yellow cards, and Onana was taken off at halftime after a difficult performance, during which he was cautioned just four minutes into the game and managed to win only 50 percent of his ground duels while failing to make any tackles. This underwhelming display could open the door for Boubacar Kamara to make his first start since recovering from a knee injury sustained against Manchester United back in February. Kamara’s return would be a significant boost to Villa’s midfield, adding both defensive stability and creative flair.
Alongside Kamara, Ross Barkley is expected to feature, as he demonstrated his quality by scoring against Bournemouth. In that match, Barkley showcased his attacking capabilities by hitting the target with half of his shots, completing four passes into the final third, and making three recoveries, indicating his all-around contribution to the team.
Attacking Overhaul
With Villa dropping crucial points over the weekend, Emery will likely seek to invigorate his attacking options. Jacob Ramsey is the only member of the front four expected to retain his spot in the starting XI. Morgan Rogers, who had a disappointing outing against Bournemouth—winning just 14 percent of his ground duels—could be one of the first to make way. Similarly, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn may also find themselves sidelined, as Emery looks to infuse fresh energy into the attacking lineup.
In their places, Emi Buendia, Jaden Philogene, and Jhon Duran are poised to receive starting opportunities. Buendia’s creativity and vision can help unlock defenses, while Philogene’s pace and dribbling skills add an additional threat on the flanks. Duran, known for his physicality and ability to find the back of the net, could prove to be a pivotal asset in the attacking third.
As Aston Villa prepares to face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, the changes expected by Emery reflect a blend of tactical acumen and a commitment to squad rotation. The competition represents an excellent opportunity for Villa to push for silverware and possibly end their long trophy drought. With so much at stake, it will be crucial for Emery to get his selections right, ensuring that the team not only competes but also thrives in this crucial cup tie. By balancing experienced players with emerging talents, Emery aims to assemble a team capable of overcoming Palace and advancing further in the tournament.