Unai Emery has confirmed his starting eleven for Aston Villa's crucial penultimate Europa League league phase fixture against Turkish giants Fenerbahce this evening. The Villa boss has implemented a significant five changes from the side that suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League last weekend.
Injury Concerns Shape Villa Selection
The team sheet has been shaped by several notable absences, with key players Emi Martinez, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, and captain John McGinn all ruled out due to injury. This has necessitated a reshuffle, with Marco Bizot taking his place between the posts for the visitors.
Defensive and Midfield Adjustments
In defence, Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings, and Lucas Digne form the backline. The midfield sees a partnership of Lamare Bogarde and Youri Tielemans in the double pivot, tasked with controlling the engine room. Further forward, the creative burden falls to Jadon Sancho, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers, who will provide the ammunition for lone striker Ollie Watkins.
Villa's European Campaign and Historic Milestone
Aston Villa travel to Turkey seeking their sixth victory in the competition's league phase this season. Their campaign has included wins over Bologna, Feyenoord, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Young Boys, and Basel, with their sole defeat coming against Go Ahead Eagles. Conversely, Fenerbahce's form shows three wins, two draws, and one loss from their matches so far.
This fixture holds extra significance as it represents Unai Emery's 100th match as a manager in the Europa League, a competition he has historically excelled in. This milestone makes him the first manager to reach a century of games in the tournament, comfortably ahead of the next closest, Jorge Jesus, who has managed 68.
Fenerbahce's Formidable Home Record
The task for Villa is formidable, given Fenerbahce's strong home record. The Turkish side have been defeated only once on their own turf this season, a loss to rivals Besiktas last month. Villa will need to be at their best to overcome this challenge and secure a positive result.
Aston Villa Starting XI vs Fenerbahce: Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Digne; Bogarde, Tielemans; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Substitutes: Proctor, Wright, Konsa, Torres, Garcia, Hemmings, Onana, Guessand, Maatsen, Jimoh-Aloba, Young.
