1) Moreno at forefront of Emery revolution
People are no longer ignoring the massive turnaround Unai Emery has performed at Villa Park. There were not many personnel changes in January: the teenage striker Jhon Durán was signed from Chicago Fire, Bertrand Traoré was recalled from loan at Istanbul Basaksehir and, most important, Alex Moreno joined from Real Betis. Lucas Digne has been deposed from the defence and Villa have only lost twice in Moreno’s 15 appearances, with the Spaniard quickly becoming integral to the system. He is popular off the pitch, too, ingratiating himself with fans with a recent interview in English, smiling throughout despite not yet having a full mastery of the language. Moreno will enjoy the prospect of facing Antony, which will be a key battle with the Villa man keen to test the Brazilian’s defence as well as attack. Will Unwin
