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Who is Villa's number nine now?

Nedum Onuoha, BBC Sport columnist banner
[BBC]
Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen
[Getty Images]

BBC Sport pundit and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has been answering your questions on your club.

Thomas asked: Who do you think should start up front for Aston Villa? Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford or Ollie Watkins?

Nedum replied: If they are all fit and available, then as a number nine I would pick Watkins. He is still number one after all of his successes in recent years, but after him it is about trusting in Unai Emery as he is a very creative manager.

I watched Malen against Tottenham and I thought he also did a good job in that role. The way he linked up with Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey was really sharp.

I'm not sure Rashford would be pining to be played as a lone striker because some of his better traits are suited to a wider position. So he would be my third choice for that position.

But Emery will have his own ideas and it wouldn't surprise me if he finds a way to get them all into the team at some point because they are really intelligent, dynamic players.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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[BBC]