Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has announced his starting lineup for this evening's UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Spanish tactician has made one alteration from the side that suffered a 1-0 defeat at Fulham last Saturday, with Amadou Onana returning to fitness and replacing Lamare Bogarde in midfield.
Defensive Setup
Emiliano Martinez retains his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. This defensive unit will aim to contain a Forest side that has been formidable at home.
Midfield and Attack
Onana partners Youri Tielemans in a double pivot, providing both defensive solidity and creative distribution. Behind striker Ollie Watkins, the attacking midfield trio of John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers will look to unlock the Forest defense.
Historical Context
Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last four home encounters against Villa in the Premier League, including a 1-1 draw earlier this month. Villa's last victory at the City Ground came in March 2019 during the Championship under Dean Smith. However, Emery's side boasts an impressive European record, having won 11 UEFA Europa League matches this season. Only FC Porto (2010-11), Atletico Madrid (2011-12), and Chelsea (2018-19) have achieved more wins in a single campaign. Additionally, Villa have secured nine consecutive victories in the competition, with Manchester City being the only English team to reach ten in a row in major European football (between May 2023 and March 2024).
Team Lineups
Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
Substitutes: Bizot, Wright, Bogarde, Maatsen, Lindelof, Mings, Garcia, Luiz, Bailey, Elliott, Sancho, Abraham.
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