Unai Emery is considering a tactical change that may see Colombian striker Jhon Duran replace Morgan Rogers in the starting lineup for their vital Premier League clash against Brighton.
This potential shift comes after Villa's disappointing 4-2 loss to Olympiacos in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, which has put their European hopes at risk.
In the match against Olympiacos, Rogers, who was in the starting eleven, had difficulty making a substantial impact during his 74 minutes on the field. The young forward had only 36 touches and completed 17 of his 22 attempted passes, unable to deliver an accurate cross or create a significant chance. Although he tried five dribbles, succeeding with two, his overall performance was underwhelming.
On the other hand, Jhon Duran has been presenting a strong argument for more frequent inclusion in the starting lineup. Despite limited playing time this season, the 20-year-old has already found the back of the net six times across all competitions.
His short appearance against Olympiacos was particularly noteworthy, as he completed all of his attempted passes and ground duels, took two shots, and earned a penalty.
Emery is now thinking about switching to a 4-4-2 formation to pair Duran with Ollie Watkins in attack. This adjustment could potentially boost Villa's attacking threat and bring a new dynamic to the forward line.
With Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby operating on the wings, the team would have the necessary width and support for the front two.
The decision to potentially start Duran over Rogers is not simply a reaction to a single subpar performance but rather a strategic choice based on the need for a refreshed attacking approach in important matches.
With Aston Villa preparing to face Brighton, a match that holds significant implications for their Premier League position, Emery's decision regarding his starting lineup will be closely monitored.
The potential inclusion of Jhon Duran from the start could indicate a change in strategy and a desire to infuse fresh energy into the team's attack.
The upcoming match against Brighton presents an opportunity for Aston Villa to regain their footing in the Premier League and build momentum as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
Emery's tactical acumen and ability to adapt to the strengths of his players will be put to the test as he weighs the potential benefits of starting Duran over Rogers.
The inclusion of Duran could provide the spark Aston Villa needs to secure a positive result against Brighton and maintain their push for success in both domestic and European competitions.