Young and senior Aston Villa teammate tipped for starting XI recalls v Crystal Palace after update – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Anwar El Ghazi and Ashley Young could come into the Aston Villa starting XI against Crystal Palace.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer and boyhood fan backed Steven Gerrard’s side to get a result at Selhurst Park.
As quoted by Football Daily in his pre-match press conference, Gerrard revealed he expected a tough game against Patrick Vieira’s Palace side.
Agbonlahor has claimed the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend will stand Villa in good stead at Selhurst Park.
“Crystal Palace are in good form and have a real threat with Wilfried Zaha,” he told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It might be the sort of game where you have El Ghazi on the wing with Watkins on the other wing and Ings up front.
“El Ghazi looked like he was full of energy when he came on against Brighton and Steven Gerrard will like that.
“You can get Ashley Young in there. He’s got quality and pace as well. Plus, he can get you a goal.
“Steven Gerrard will have a plan. There’s no reason why Watkins can’t play on the left, when he scored against Brighton it was coming in off that left-hand channel. He can adapt to that position.
“Ings is known for being a goalscorer. His goals will come, it’s just a matter of time.
“It’s a very tough game Crystal Palace. But if you’ve got a team that is confident there’s no reason why you can’t get a result.”
El Ghazi, 26, has made four Premier League starts this term and has scored three goals in nine appearances across all competitions.
Young, 36, has featured in seven Premier League games for Aston Villa this season, including three starts.
In other news, Dean Smith has set his sights on signing an Aston Villa attacker and £4m will seal a January deal.