Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has surely lost the plot as he axes the inform Leon Bailey from the starting XI against Fulham this afternoon (12 November).

Villa confirmed their starting XI for the game at Villa Park on Sunday with three changes as Douglas Luiz, Pau Torres and Matty Cash are recalled after sitting out Thursday's win over AZ Alkmaar for their crucial Premier League encounter.

Youri Tielemans keeps his place in midfield but there is no start for Jamaican international Bailey who has surely deserved a run in the side after recent good form.

Bailey has three goals and two assists in just nine appearances so far this season, with a number of those coming from the bench, and he will be looking to push on with a start against Fulham.

Despite several of his performances coming from the bench, with just two starts in his nine Premier League appearances so far this season and an average of 35 minutes per game, Bailey is just one goal and two assists away from hitting last season's total goal contributions. [Sofascore]

His last five games for club and country have seen him record five goals and assists, with his influence on the Villa squad becoming clear and the option he provides to Emery a much-appreciated impact, particularly in tight games.

Even in that disappointing 2-0 defeat to Forest, Bailey was pressing to make a difference from the bench. In his 45 minutes of play, the winger made a key pass, attempted four crosses, had three shots and attempted six dribbles and he looked to take the initiative in the game.

He was also the best player on the park against AZ on Thursday, registering two key passes, registering an assist, winning five of his duels and completing two of his three dribbles and six of his crosses [SofaScore].

Bailey should have been given the chance to continue that against the West Londoners on Sunday afternoon but Emery's call to axe him is rather baffling. Let's hope he isn't missed too much.

In other Aston Villa news, a senior man may have quit before he was pushed out of Villa Park by Monchi.

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