Jaden Philogene Could Depart Aston Villa On Loan This January Transfer Window

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Unai Emery is considering allowing Jaden Philogene to depart Aston Villa this month. Philogene returned to Villa from Hull City in the summer, with the club reportedly spending £16 million on the winger. Despite this investment, he has only started four matches across all competitions, making 15 appearances without scoring or assisting. He has created just four chances and registered shots worth 0.54 expected goals.

Villa are actively seeking a wide player this month, with rumours linking them to Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen. Ahead of their Premier League match against Leicester City on Saturday, Emery admitted that Philogene might leave, possibly on loan, in January. "We are starting the new year focused on our match against Leicester, starting at home at Villa Park," Emery stated.

Emery acknowledged Philogene's potential but noted that he hasn't fully demonstrated it during his initial months at the club due to various circumstances. "He played minutes, he played some important matches, like against Bayern Munich and Manchester United," Emery said. "I believe in his potential, but it is maybe one option as well for him or for the club."

Several clubs have shown interest in Philogene because they also recognise his potential. Although Emery is not eager to let him go, discussions about different options are ongoing. "As a coach, I am not really wanting to let him leave," Emery explained. However, he mentioned that letting Philogene leave could be an option for both parties.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has been a key player with involvement in 97 goals over 165 Premier League appearances (67 goals and 30 assists). He recently scored and assisted in a game against Brighton for the tenth time in the league. Meanwhile, Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has struggled against Villa recently despite scoring five goals in his first six appearances against them.

Match Prediction

Aston Villa are predicted to win as Leicester have lost their last four Premier League games. The last time they lost more consecutively was in August/September 2022 with six losses. Villa have been strong at home since losing their opening home game of the season against Arsenal, remaining unbeaten in nine subsequent matches at Villa Park (five wins and four draws).

The Villans have scored two or more goals in 12 of their last 17 home games. When playing their first league game of a calendar year at home, they have lost only once in their last 13 such matches (six wins and six draws), losing 2-0 to Swansea in 2012.

Historical Context

This is the first time since 2019 that Villa are starting a year with a home match; they drew 2-2 with QPR back then. Both teams have scored in 13 of the last 14 Premier League meetings between these sides at Villa Park; the exception was a 2-0 win for Leicester in December 2001.

Following their victory at King Power Stadium earlier this season, Villa aim to achieve their first league double over Leicester since the 2003-04 season.

OPTA Win Probability: