Emery Deems Consistent Starting XI ‘Impossible’ Amid Player Availability Concerns

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has indicated he will postpone the selection of his starting lineup until just hours before Saturday’s match against Southampton, citing difficulties in confirming which players will be available. Amadou Onana is a potential participant as he continues his recovery from a foot injury, while fellow midfielder Jacob Ramsey is not expected to return to action before Christmas. Emery elaborated on the challenges, stating, “It is being very difficult because we play matches every three days.” He further explained the situation, noting, “Some are doubts, some had pain and some are tired. We are going to train now. I think until tomorrow [Saturday] morning, only then it will be clear who will start the match.” Despite Aston Villa’s recent victory over Brentford on Wednesday, which concluded an eight-match period without a win, Emery indicated his readiness to adjust the team’s formation given the five remaining fixtures scheduled for December. He further commented on the situation, stating, “It has been impossible at the moment, because there are players playing a lot of matches, and they are coming with some injuries, some small pains, getting tired.” Emery clarified his philosophy, adding, “But, for me, it’s not the most important thing to try to be consistent with the starting XI players. I want players knowing tactically and performing tactically and individually, with their quality, always getting the level we want. I have to use two players for each position, trying to compete and trying to be ready to play.” Captain John McGinn is among the players confirmed to be available and has recently re-established his position in the starting lineup following a challenging September and October. Emery specifically commended McGinn during his news conference. The Spanish coach remarked, “He [McGinn] is a very important player for us. And when he is not fit – he started the season a little bit lower than normal – we were struggling a bit. He is a versatile player, and he is very consistent.” He further stressed, “He is important, and the challenge is to keep this consistency. His versatility is very, very important. The characteristics he has are very important.”