Unai Emery is expected to rotate heavily when Aston Villa travel to Coventry City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. Birmingham Live predicts seven changes to the side that suffered a 2-1 Premier League defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with several squad members in line for rare starts.
Ibrahim Mbaye could be handed his first appearance in the starting eleven after catching the eye as a substitute at the weekend. The publication places him on the left flank, with John McGinn operating from the right and Emi Buendia retaining the number ten role behind striker Nicolas Jackson.
At the back, Marco Bizot is forecast to come in for Zion Suzuki in goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should continue at right-back while Matty Cash remains sidelined with muscle discomfort, and Matteo Ruggeri is set to fill in at left-back following an injury to Ian Maatsen that is expected to keep him out for approximately six weeks.
In central defence, Taylor Harwood-Bellis may make his debut alongside Tyrone Mings. Pau Torres is unavailable through injury, and the report suggests Emery will rest Victor Lindelof after he started all six matches so far this campaign.
The midfield pivot could see Lamare Bogarde given an opportunity alongside Joao Gomes, allowing Boubacar Kamara a breather. Johan Manzambi, recently returned from a knee problem, is more likely to feature from the bench rather than risk a setback by starting.
Villa head into the cup tie looking for their second win of the season after beating Club Brugge last week. With the transfer window now closed until January 2027, Emery must work with his current squad, making opportunities for younger players in domestic cup competition particularly valuable.
