Amadou Onana could play a pivotal role for Aston Villa when they face Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup at Villa Park on Wednesday, 30 October. While Villa are already navigating a packed schedule, competing in the Premier League and Champions League, and soon entering the FA Cup, manager Unai Emery is likely to embrace this additional shot at silverware.
The EFL Cup offers a real opportunity for Villa, though they must first overcome a fellow Premier League side, Crystal Palace, to secure a place in the fifth round. Villa’s journey in the competition began with a victory over Wycombe Wanderers, despite Emery fielding a rotated squad. However, Palace, fresh off a 1-0 win over Tottenham, pose a greater challenge, and Emery may need to call on his key players to advance.
Should Onana Start Against Palace?
It remains uncertain how much Emery will adjust his lineup, but Amadou Onana’s record and skill set suggest he should be a top choice. The Belgian midfielder has a strong record against Crystal Palace, having faced them five times in England without a loss—winning three and drawing two—and even scoring a goal during his time at Everton.
Though Onana’s recent performances have seen a slight dip, he continues to be integral to Emery’s squad and style, particularly with his runs from midfield, which provide Villa with a dynamic offensive edge.
Onana’s Impact by the Numbers
The 23-year-old midfielder has been a consistent contributor this season, with two Premier League goals to his name. His attacking stats are impressive: he boasts a 60% shot accuracy, 90% passing accuracy, and an 83% dribbling success rate, as per *FotMob*. These numbers underscore Onana’s attacking efficiency and reliability on the ball, key qualities that could help Villa break through a resilient Palace defense.
Defensively, Onana’s contributions are equally valuable. He ranks in the top 93rd percentile for tackles, 86th for aerial duels, and 70th for interceptions, according to *FBref*. This defensive solidity, coupled with his attacking prowess, makes Onana an ideal candidate for a starting role in a high-stakes match like this.
The Stakes for Villa
A victory over Crystal Palace would mark another step toward a possible EFL Cup triumph, a goal that Villa supporters and Emery are likely to cherish. With such a congested schedule, Emery may rotate some players, but if he is truly intent on making a deep run in the cup, Onana should be among the first names on the teamsheet. His mix of experience against Premier League opponents and balanced play on both ends of the pitch could make all the difference.
In a match where any advantage counts, Onana’s skills and track record could provide Aston Villa with the edge they need to move forward in the EFL Cup.