Unai Emery has sprung a surprise by naming his son on the substitutes bench for Aston Villa’s final Premier League game of the season.
Villa booked their spot in the Champions League for the first time on Tuesday night after Tottenham fell to a 2-0 defeat by Manchester City.
Emery’s side travel to Crystal Palace as they look to end their superb campaign on a high and they have young Lander Emery in their ranks.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has made six appearances in the Premier League 2 this season. conceding 15 goals while keeping one clean sheet.
The youngster has previously spent time in LaLiga with Valencia before moving to Villa Park on a free transfer in January.
Lander Emery has made six appearances for Aston Villa this season in Premier League 2
Unai Emery has handed his son a spot on the bench for Villa’s final Premier League game of the season
His selection comes amid a selection headache for the Villa boss, with first-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, Nicolo Zaniolo and Morgan Rogers all ruled out through injury.
In addition to Emery, Villa’s bench also includes teenagers Finley Munroe, Omari Kellyman and Kaden Young.
Back-up Robin Olsen, who has made four league appearances this term, starts in place of the World Cup winner Martinez.
Third choice Joe Gauci has also been named on the Villa bench on Sunday afternoon.