Aston Villa are struggling of late, dropping points far too easily while individual players are performing below expectations. Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United was a particular disappointment and could see Steven Gerrard make changes ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Watford.
The Hornets are 19th in the Premier League and winless in their last 11 outings, so Villa can’t afford to carry any passengers for a must-win encounter. Ashley Preece believes Gerrard will drop some underperformers and was asked in Tuesday’s Birmingham Live Q&A who could face the axe.
He replied: ‘The midfield was non-existent (against Newcastle). There’s only Carney Chukwuemeka (among the young players) I can see coming in. (Gerrard) will be fuming (with recent form). Changes for Watford? Yes. Douglas Luiz, (John McGinn) could come out; (Morgan) Sanson and Chukwuemeka could come in.’
Chukwuemeka has made 11 appearances at senior level in 2021/22, amassing 309 minutes of playing time. He’s featured in eight of Villa’s last 10 league games, albeit from bench, and could be in line to make his second start in the top-flight this season.
The 18-year-old has a bright future at Villa Park and his inclusion on Saturday could allow McGinn a much-needed rest. The 27-year-old hasn’t been at his best of late, getting a 5/10 rating against Newcastle, 6/10 against Leeds United and 6/10 against Brentford, so he might benefit from being taken out of the spotlight.
In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor blasts fans ‘jumping on back’ of Ollie Watkins
