How Aston Villa could line up with Rashford and Asensio after Watkins injury worry
Aston Villa are set to confirm their third new addition to Unai Emery's attacking ranks in this winter window with Marco Asensio poised to join after Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen.
The Spaniard will arrive on a loan deal, but parent club Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be open to extending his spell at Villa next season too. Rashford, meanwhile, could become a permanent player for Villa after this season as they hold a £40m buy option.
Malen made his debut last month in the 1-1 draw with West Ham, before he impressed off the bench against Wolves last time out. He was denied what would have been his first goal for the club as VAR chalked it off before the hour mark and Villa went on to lose 2-0.
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Emery has strong strength in depth in attacking areas, but after selling Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, he's lacking options at the back. Villa are working to bring in a defender before the 11pm deadline this evening, but time is against them to get a deal done.
Villa host Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday and Emery will be hopeful that Tyrone Mings can return to fitness in time to start the game. It would be a big boost especially if they fail to recruit a new defender.
The real headache for Emery will be who to pick in the attacking elements of his starting XI for the remainder of the season. Ollie Watkins suffered a groin injury in the defeat at Wolves and could miss the Spurs game as a result, but will start any match which he is fit to play, while Boubacar Kamara is one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.
Youri Tielemans has been excellent this term and partners Kamara in Villa’s best XI, with Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley in reserve. Lucas Digne has been one of Villa’s most consistent performers since the start of last season at left-back, while Matty Cash is Villa’s undisputed starting right-back when fit.
The Poland international is, however, currently sidelined for around three weeks with a calf injury. Lamare Bogarde or Andres Garcia will be vying to start ahead of him while Ezri Konsa plays at centre-back alongside Mings or Pau Torres, once he returns from a broken metatarsal.
Following Rashford’s arrival, Jacob Ramsey’s place in the XI is under threat despite him impressing in recent weeks. Morgan Rogers would stay in the side given his consistent form since the start of the season, but Asensio will be expecting minutes himself.
The PSG loanee can operate from the right, where Malen and Leon Bailey are positioned. Villa captain John McGinn can play across any of the three advanced roles behind Watkins and also in the double pivot.
Here is how Villa could look with both Asensio and Rashford against Tottenham this weekend...
