Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King anticipates that Jhon Duran will be in the starting lineup for Aston Villa when they face Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at Villa Park on Wednesday, 30 October.
King believes Unai Emery will rotate the squad for this encounter, allowing some key players to rest.
Duran, who has been primarily used as a substitute, made an appearance from the bench in Villa’s recent 1-1 Premier League draw against Bournemouth on Saturday, 26 October. The game was filled with controversy, yet Duran’s role remained secondary as Emery opted for the more established starting lineup. However, King, speaking to *Villa News*, expressed his confidence that the Colombian forward will be given a rare starting opportunity in the upcoming cup match.
“I think there will be changes,” King remarked. “Duran is a player who’s frequently mentioned, and I think he will definitely start on Wednesday. It would be a great opportunity to rest Ollie Watkins.”
With a busy schedule that includes an upcoming UEFA Champions League match, Villa’s fixtures are coming quickly, testing the squad’s depth. King believes that Villa is showing they can compete at a high level in both the Premier League and European competitions.
The Carabao Cup may not be a top priority for Emery, considering Villa’s aspirations in the Premier League and Champions League. Consequently, it’s expected that the manager will rest some key players, including Watkins.
However, Duran’s impressive form makes him an ideal choice to step in. Despite not yet starting in the Premier League, he leads the scoring charts at Villa Park, highlighting his impact even from the bench. Moreover, with Arsenal reportedly interested in Duran, it’s crucial for Emery to keep the young striker content with his role and development opportunities at Villa.
The Carabao Cup match provides an ideal chance for Duran to showcase his talent as a starter, giving Emery a fresh attacking option without compromising his main players ahead of the Champions League.