Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a busy period as he balances the demands of both the Premier League and Champions League. With tonight’s EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace, Emery has a prime opportunity to rotate his squad, resting key players while giving others a chance to shine.
While Villa fans would welcome a victory tonight, the EFL Cup has taken a back seat to Villa’s larger ambitions in Europe and their strong Premier League campaign. This midweek tie provides Emery a chance to involve players who have been less active this season, with Amadou Onana’s position being one in question after his recent underwhelming performance against Bournemouth.
Onana, who joined from Everton, has been a fixture in Villa’s midfield this season, playing in every Premier League match so far. He also featured in the last round of the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers, where he played 62 minutes. However, his recent form has shown signs of fatigue, particularly in the Bournemouth game, where he lasted only 45 minutes. His performance was impacted by frequent yellow cards from referee Chris Kavanagh, limiting Onana’s ability to fully assert himself on the field. The stats show he struggled, winning just 50% of his duels and managing only 28 touches before Emery decided to substitute him at halftime.
Ross Barkley, Onana’s replacement, made an impact by scoring Villa’s equalizer in the 1-1 draw. This standout performance might earn Barkley a starting spot tonight, especially as Emery is keen to use fresh legs in his lineup. With Barkley back from injury, this EFL Cup tie could be an ideal opportunity for him to demonstrate his value in the team.
Another player eager to start against Palace is Boubacar Kamara. Recently returning from a long-term knee injury, Kamara played his first minutes since February against Bournemouth. Before his injury, the former Marseille midfielder had become a regular in Villa’s lineup, praised for his composure, energy, and tackling ability. In his last full season, Kamara averaged 63 touches per game with an impressive 89% passing accuracy and won an average of 5.3 duels per match. His consistency and tactical awareness made him a pivotal player, leading football journalist John Townley to describe him as “outstanding.”
Kamara’s recovery comes at a critical time for Villa, as Emery seeks to manage player fatigue. If Kamara starts tonight, it would provide him with a chance to regain his rhythm and show Emery he’s ready for a more consistent role in the squad. His defensive capabilities and ability to control the game’s tempo could be valuable assets, especially as Villa faces a packed schedule.
Emery’s approach to tonight’s game will likely involve a mix of regular starters and fringe players to avoid burnout while still fielding a competitive side. Kamara’s return and Barkley’s readiness give Emery additional midfield options, potentially allowing him to rest players like Onana. By managing his squad carefully, Emery can ensure Villa remains competitive across all competitions while giving players like Kamara and Barkley the chance to stake their claims for more first-team opportunities.
As Villa aims to advance past Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, Emery’s squad rotation will be key to maintaining their momentum.