Aston Villa Team News vs Bologna Confirmed as Emi Martinez Decision Made
Unai Emery has selected his team to face Bologna in the Europa League this evening, with the Aston Villa manager making three changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last Sunday.
Starting Lineup and Key Changes
Emi Martinez starts in goal for Villa, behind a defence consisting of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. In midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans will operate in a double pivot, while John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers support striker Ollie Watkins.
The changes reflect Emery's tactical adjustments for this crucial European fixture, as Villa look to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Match Context and Recent Form
Aston Villa enter this second leg with a two-goal advantage over Bologna, having won the first leg 3-1 in Italy last week. In that match, Ollie Watkins scored twice in the second half following Ezri Konsa's opener before the break. Johnathan Rowe had momentarily reduced Bologna's deficit before Watkins secured his second of the night in the closing moments.
Villa's home form in European competitions has been impressive, with the club winning 15 of their last 17 major European matches at Villa Park. This includes a current run of eight consecutive home victories in Europe. In the knockout stages at home, Villa have won five of their last six matches, with their only loss being a 4-2 defeat to Olympiakos in the Conference League in May 2024.
Full Team Details
Aston Villa starting XI vs Bologna: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Substitutes: Bizot, Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Elliott, Garcia, Abraham, Sancho, Luiz, Maatsen, Bailey, Bogarde.
This match represents a significant opportunity for Aston Villa to advance in the Europa League, building on their strong first-leg performance and formidable home record in European competitions.
