Emery teases Watkins–Malen double act after European tune‑up
Unai Emery isn’t closing the door on a proper two-man strike force at Aston Villa, hinting that Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen could lead the line together after Thursday night’s 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv. The result keeps Villa’s European campaign on track — tightening their grip on a direct route to the knockouts — and adds a tasty selection dilemma before Bournemouth roll into town on Sunday.
What Thursday told us
It was a European night managed with cool authority. Ian Maatsen struck in first-half stoppage time, and Malen calmly tucked away a second-half penalty to kill the contest. When Watkins replaced Morgan Rogers, Emery went bold: a genuine front two, with Watkins stretching the game and Malen buzzing off the spaces that followed. It wasn’t swashbuckling, but it was tidy, purposeful and hinted at something more.
Emery’s balancing act: firepower vs structure
Post-match, Emery made it clear he’s not dogmatic. He’s tried twin strikers before — think Watkins alongside Danny Ings back in the day, and later Jhon Duran — and he’s already dabbled with Watkins and Malen together, even referencing the Burnley fixture. Could he roll with the pair on Sunday? Absolutely, if the rest of the XI holds firm. The Spaniard’s mantra is simple: structure first. He wants his side to dominate with the ball, win their duels, run in behind when it’s on, drop and protect possession when it isn’t, and crucially keep the balance so transitions don’t undo the hard work. Thursday’s experiment was as much about banked minutes and information as it was about romance up top.
Selection dilemma for Bournemouth
Here’s the rub: Villa have only nine goals in their opening ten Premier League matches, which explains their spot in the bottom half. That output cries out for extra teeth in the final third. A Watkins–Malen pairing can ask different questions — one leading the line, one darting into gaps — but it also demands midfielders and full-backs who can lock the back door when possession turns over. If Emery is satisfied the rest of the puzzle pieces click, expect him to double down on the threat.
The bigger picture
Thursday’s win did more than settle a group game; it nudged Villa closer to skipping the Europa League play-off round and walking straight into the last 16. Momentum matters. Watkins’ graft and channel runs marry nicely with Malen’s penalty-box instincts and burst. Get the blend right and Villa suddenly look a far nastier proposition for any opponent.
If you’re weighing up the form and fancy a flutter, check our best betting sites for the latest prices. But from a footballing standpoint, the takeaway is clear: Emery won’t rule out the double act — he’ll unleash it when the structure can carry the load. Bournemouth, you’ve been warned.
