Unai Emery may give Jhon Duran a start against Wolves tomorrow following a series of impressive substitute appearances for Aston Villa.
The Colombia international has scored three times in the Premier League this season, all off the bench, including a stunning, 30-yard winner against Everton last Saturday as Villa rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
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Ollie Watkins scored the first two against Everton but he may be rested having also started in Villa’s 3-0 win at Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Emery said: “As a striker, Jhon is clearly helping us score goals and making a good impact but the idea is to play in the starting 11.
“I don’t know [if he will start] tomorrow or Tuesday or next weekend but he is close and ready to play and add more minutes to play with us.
“[He might] play with Watkins, play together, play alone.
“We have a very good player and his commitment now is getting better. I think after a difficult summer he is 100 per cent focused here. I think everything now is going like we want.”
On Wolves: “Our experience is that every game is difficult. You have to respect every team and if you want to win you have to focus on the match. They played very well here, they compete very well and it’s the same coach. Tomorrow is going to be a very difficult match.” pic.twitter.com/CPx5gCteQB
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 20, 2024
No issue with Watkins
Emery stressed Watkins was also fit after coming off with an ankle injury against Young Boys.
He added: “He is available 100 per cent to play.
“He is sometimes stopping because we have to protect the players but now, he is totally 100 per cent.”
The added fixtures created by Villa’s participation in the Champions League means Emery is set to rotate his team on a regular basis.
“It depends but we had last year a very good experience playing in the Conference League,” he said.
“Of course, the Champions League is, at the beginning, more difficult. But the experience we had last year playing a lot of matches is good for this year and it depends on how the players are after each game.
“The idea is to be consistent with the idea we have with some players because they joined us this summer and are getting better, but understanding our tactical idea.
“Tomorrow I am playing those who will be better tactically, physically, and mentally to play.”
Villa have made a strong start to the Premier League season, winning three of their four games. Wolves, in contrast, have struggled, taking just one point from their first four.
