Emery axes Torres in two changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Manchester United.
Unai Emery could make two changes to his Aston Villa side to face Manchester United on Sunday, with Pau Torres potentially set to face the axe.
The Villans have just one Premier League game remaining as their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League goes down to the wire.
A win at Old Trafford on 25 May and results elsewhere going in their favour could be enough for the B6 club to secure a top-five finish.
As a result, three points against Ruben Amorim’s side will be huge, and after the Red Devils’ defeat in the Europa League final, there is bound to be a subdued atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams.
This could help swing the game in Emery’s favour, with the Spaniard potentially set to drop Torres in one of the most important Villa games in recent memory.
Aston Villa Pau Torres
Pau Torres could be dropped for Aston Villa v Manchester United (Credit: Imago)
Torres axed for Aston Villa v Manchester United
It has been a week filled with uncertainty for Emi Martinez after crying on the pitch last time out, regardless of this, the Argentine is likely to start once again.
After making one save at Villa Park [FotMob], the 32-year-old could feature behind a back four featuring two changes from the Spurs victory.
This could see both Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres drop out after the latter failed to win a single aerial duel in a zero per cent win rate. Emery may look to trust the experience of Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings to push Villa over the line on the final day.
Aston Villa Premier League table
Premier League table going into the final day
This pairing could come in alongside Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash after the duo contributed with a combined 15 defensive actions in their last showing.
Sitting in front of the backline, Emery could once again utilise the talents of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara, especially after the Frenchman scored and won 100 per cent of his tackles at Villa Park.
Ahead of them, Marco Asensio could be set to end his loan spell with a start after completing four dribbles in a positive performance in his final B6 outing.
Alongside the Spaniard, Morgan Rogers and John McGinn could be set to keep their spots in the side after the skipper shone against Spurs with two defensive actions and three shots in the Midlands.
With a raft of creativity in the forward line, Ollie Watkins can be hopeful of ending the season well despite not scoring with any of his three shots last time out.
The England international will want to grab a goal with the hope of moving past his 16 Premier League goal tally for the season.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Manchester United
Aston Villa predicted XI v Manchester United
Aston Villa must win v Manchester United
It is fair to say that Villa have come unstuck in pressure situations under Emery.
The Conference League semi-final against Olympiakos, the recent late defeat to Manchester City and the FA Cup semi-final embarrassment against Crystal Palace spring to mind.
The Villans can’t let the pressure of this clash get to them and impact their performance on the pitch, especially with three points being so crucial.
It will certainly be interesting to see how United bounce back from the final defeat against Tottenham and whether that impacts their performance for the better or worse.
Either way, Villa need to take advantage and make sure that the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City feel the pressure on the final day.
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