Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is expected to make substantial changes to his starting lineup as his side faces Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Although Villa remains unbeaten in their last 11 games, the increasing fixture load could prompt Emery to rotate his squad for this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup game, prioritising rest for his key players ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
With upcoming matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Club Brugge, Liverpool, and Chelsea, the Carabao Cup provides a good opportunity for younger and fringe players to get valuable game time.
READ MORE: Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup: TV channel, prediction, team news and lineups
So, how will Unai Emery prepare his starting XI for this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace game? Here is the Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace for this EFL Cup fixture.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace - EFL Cup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Joe Gauci
The Australian has served as the backup goalkeeper this season and is likely to get a chance to start this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup game.
Right Back: Kosta Nedeljkovic
The promising Serbian youngster could make an appearance in this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup fixture as he continues to gain first-team experience.
Centre Back: Diego Carlos
Carlos remains a reliable option in defence despite summer speculation about his future at Villa Park.
Centre Back: Pau Torres
Despite a busy schedule, Torres has maintained his fitness and could start alongside Carlos, with Tyrone Mings likely making an appearance off the bench in this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup game.
Left Back: Ian Maatsen
The recent signing has mostly played as a backup but has shown potential and should be given a start to relieve Lucas Digne.
Centre Midfielder: Boubacar Kamara
Kamara has gradually returned to form, and this fixture is a good opportunity for him to start as he regains match fitness.
Centre Midfielder: Ross Barkley
Barkley has been impactful off the bench and deserves a start here, providing depth and skill in the midfield alongside Kamara.
Right Midfielder: Leon Bailey
Though not in his best form, Bailey could benefit from the lower-pressure environment of a cup fixture to regain his confidence.
Attacking Midfielder: Emiliano Buendia
Buendia has been patient for his opportunities, and Emery may grant him a start here in this Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace EFL Cup game as part of the expected squad rotation.
Left Midfielder: Jaden Philogene
Back from a one-match suspension, Philogene is expected to replace Jacob Ramsey, offering fresh legs on the left side.
Centre Forward: Jhon Duran
With Ollie Watkins rested for Premier League action, Duran is set to start up front, where he has shown promise in previous cup matches.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Gauci; Nedeljkovic, Carlos, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Barkley; Bailey, Buendia, Philogene; Duran.
What is your Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace for this EFL Cup fixture?