Pundit Exclusive: Aston Villa 27-yr-old tipped to be axed v Burnley after early team news
Gabriel Agbonlahor has tipped John McGinn to replace Marvelous Nakamba in the Aston Villa starting XI against Burnley this evening.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer heaped praise on Nakamba’s tidy display in the 2-0 win over Newcastle United last weekend.
The Zimbabwe international replaced McGinn for Villa’s first win of 2021 as the Scotsman was serving a one-game suspension for picking up five yellow cards.
It was just Nakamba’s second league start of the season as Dean Smith decided to play Douglas Luiz in a slightly more advanced role.
Asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the 27-year-old’s display at Villa Park, Agbonlahor said: “He did really well and it was another really good decision by the manager.
“He knew that Villa would be on top of the game so what he did was give licence to Luiz to go forward a bit more and Nkamba to sit a bit more.
“Luiz is very good going forward as well. Instead of maybe going for another attacking midfielder it was a good decision.
“Nkamba cleaned up everything and let the others go and attack, he definitely played well.
“Now that John McGinn is back he will start.
“But it’s good to know a player like Nkamba who can play like that and can come in when needed.”
McGinn had been an ever-present in the Premier League this season before he picked up his suspension.
The Scotland international had formed a formidable midfield partnership with Luiz who has also missed just one game because of suspension.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Barcelona have set their sights on signing an Aston Villa sensation by next week.