Aston Villa boss is considering making the starting lineup announcement late ahead of the clash versus Newcastle United.

Aston Villa boss, Unai Emery, appears to be in need of more time to decide the starting XI for their upcoming match against Newcastle. The congested fixtures begin for the team with continental competition in the midweek. Such naturally would lead each team to consider the squad rotation. Villa is included. 

Emery hints such while talking to the press as reported in ESPN.

“How we will play tomorrow with the starting XI players, I need time.

“Today, after our training session in the afternoon/evening, more or less, I’m going to clarify myself which players are ready for tomorrow and thinking to be, not 80%, to be 100%.”

The reason 

The Lions just played their second game in the UEFA Champions League three days ago. Previously , they were held in a 2-2 draw versus Brentford. They ran rampant against Fenerbahce in a 6-0 win, which was the new record for their biggest win in Europe. 

However, it does not mean that Villa is likely to field the same starters in the line up. There could still be changes. He added his comments on it.

“The rotation is coming when the players are ready to play in our demands. This is the only difference. We did some changes on Wednesday after the match we played on Saturday. We did some changes on Wednesday and the players responded as well.

“This is one step forward, clearly. How I am going to decide for tomorrow, maybe it’s going in the same way, but I need to know how they are playing today because we played on Wednesday and the demand was high.”

Due to the high pressure and demand while competing in the UEFA’s top flight competition, the Spanish boss seems to be concerned about the potential physical discomfort in some players, which could be leading to injuries.

“Some players may be tired, some can feel some pain, not injuries but maybe pain.”

Possible changes?

After several games with the seemingly best starting XI so far, leading to their positive results lately, it would be interesting to see who would eventually get a nod in this encounter.

After Fener win, Villa are reportedly assessing further on George Hemmings and Ross Barkley while the other five players are still unavailable. They are Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri, Modou Cisse, Amadou Onana and Brian Madjo. 

At the backline, Emery could consider playing Taylor Harwood-Bellis to accompany either Victor Lindelof or Tyrone Mings, instead of fielding Pau Torres again who has just returned from his injury. On the flanks, Villa unfortunately has limited options in the squad for rotation. Matty Cash could be rested and Lamare Bogarde may get a nod on the right but Wan Bissaka is still keeping his spot.

In the midfield, it’s even more limited. Kamara who has been a starter for almost each game. He could be rested and his place can be given to Leon Goretzka, who has made his debut in the Clarets and Blue in the midweek. He will be playing alongside Joao Gomes as the double pivot. 

Meanwhile, on the attacking side, Jackson will still lead the line. Behind him, John McGinn is still irreplaceable but Manzambi and Mbaye could be rested and come off the bench later. Two South American players are likely getting a nod in the starting XI tonight as they did not feature fully in the previous outings. Emi Buendia and Alysson Edward could be opted in the starting XI.