Unai Emery has slammed Aston Villa’s busy February fixture schedule, claiming it makes no sense. His side are about to play five games in all competitions in the space of just 13 days, with only nine rest days in that period, before they play two Champions League round of 16 ties either side of an away game at Brentford.

Unai Emery has shared an update on the fitness of Ollie Watkins ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Saturday. And the Villa manager has also suggested that Axel Disasi could make his debut for the club following his deadline day loan move from Chelsea.

Aston Villa will welcome back Ollie Watkins for their Premier League clash with Ipswich on Saturday. Unai Emery’s side responded well to their defeat to Wolves last time out in the League, as Villa beat Tottenham 2-1 to knock Spurs out of the FA Cup.

Unai Emery believes his Aston Villa squad is stronger and has more balance than before the club entered the winter window. Villa signed five players, including three loanees; Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi. The trio followed permanent signings of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia for £26m combined.