Rashford close to first Villa start

Marcus Rashford could be handed his first Aston Villa start against Liverpool laater on Wednesday.

The Manchester United loanee has impressed in his two substitute appearances since joining earlier this month.

Forward Rashford has not started since United's 2-1 Europa League win at Viktoria Plzen in December and completed just four games this season.

Real Madrid loanee Marco Asensio is also pushing to start with Villa, ninth in the Premier League, looking to close the six-point gap to the top four when they host the leaders.

When asked if the pair were getting closer to starting, boss Unai Emery said: "Yes, because they are in their individual process to get fit and understand, tactically, our idea.

"Tactically, we are changing a little bit with those players and we have to try to practise a little bit in the training sessions as well to practise playing in matches.

"We were working every day here, trying to get the idea of them understanding where we are as well- having some meetings, trying to show it.

"Now they are getting better, understanding more and closer to playing in the starting XI."