Aston Villa welcome Crystal Palace to Villa Park tomorrow as both Premier League clubs vie for a place in the quarter-final of the League Cup.
Villa have not reached the quarter-final of a domestic cup in five years, and manager Unai Emery will be desperate to break that hoodoo when the Eagles roll into town.
The Villains defeated Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in September to advance to the fourth round with Emi Buendia and Jhon Duran on the scoresheet at Adams Park.
Emery admitted that winning a trophy with the Villains is a dream, and the League Cup is an exciting opportunity to end the club’s 28-year title drought.
The Spanish coach will likely make many changes to the team that started the 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth last weekend. Villa have a clean bill of health, giving the manager many rotation options.
Diego Carlos starts in defence, with Tyrone Mings potentially making his first start since his return from injury beside him. Lamare Bogarde could also be considered as an option.
At full-back, Ian Maatsen is expected to continue on the left, while Matty Cash could retain his spot on the right. Kosta Nedeljkovic is another option for both full-back positions.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara will likely make his first start since recovering from injury, partnering with Ross Barkley or Amadou Onana.
Meanwhile, Jaden Philogene is expected to return from suspension, while Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, and John McGinn are also vying for starting roles.
Duran, who scored in the last round, will likely lead the line, with Ollie Watkins potentially rested. Emi Buendia could start again after impressing in recent matches, while Morgan Rogers may be rested.
Yacine Trophy winner Emi Martinez should get a deserved rest while Joe Gauci, who was between the sticks for the last round, comes in. Second-choice goalkeeper Robin Olsen just returned from an injury lay-off.
Predicted Aston Villa XI v Palace
(4-2-3-1): Joe Gauci; Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen; Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley; Jaden Philogene, Jacob Ramsey, Emiliano Buendia; Jhon Duran.
