Aston Villa could hand Tammy Abraham an opportunity against Coventry tonight, but Unai Emery must also consider the attack around him.
The striker replaced Nicolas Jackson at half-time against Nottingham Forest. That change offered a useful lesson ahead of the Carabao Cup tie.
As covered in our explanation of Jackson’s substitution, Emery also introduced Alysson to provide a different attacking threat.
Abraham’s potential selection therefore raises a wider question: who supplies the movement around him?
Tammy Abraham needs runners around him
Our view is that Villa should pair Abraham with players willing to attack the space beyond Coventry’s defence.
If he comes towards the ball, a winger must threaten behind. Otherwise, Villa risk making their forward play too predictable.
That gives Emery a reason to consider pace alongside the centre-forward, rather than treating rotation as a series of individual changes.
Alysson’s introduction against Forest provides one example. His equaliser came from attacking John McGinn’s cross, giving Villa another presence in the penalty area.
The lesson is about sharing that responsibility.
Abraham can occupy central defenders, but Villa need other players arriving in scoring positions. Leaving him isolated would make his opportunity harder.
Emery has already set the standard
Abraham chose to remain at Villa despite Ipswich’s interest, accepting the challenge of competing for minutes.
Emery made his expectations clear after the Arsenal defeat on 31 August.
“I am going to be very demanding with him to add his qualities with us,” he said, as reported by Hayters.
Tonight offers a potential opportunity to answer that challenge. A starting place remains unconfirmed.
For Abraham, the task would include holding possession, linking attacks and getting into the box when service arrives.
For Emery, it means selecting a supporting cast that complements those actions.
Our Coventry team-news update covers the wider selection picture ahead of the 8pm cup tie.
If Abraham starts, the players either side of him could be just as important as the decision to pick him.
