Aston Villa Predicted Lineup for Crucial Salzburg Europa League Clash
Aston Villa prepare to conclude the league phase of the UEFA Europa League this Thursday evening as they welcome Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg to Villa Park. Unai Emery's team face a pivotal encounter that could secure significant home advantage for the knockout stages, despite having already guaranteed progression to the last sixteen of the competition.
Match Context and Team News
This fixture represents only the third home match for Villa in their last twelve outings across all competitions, adding extra importance to the occasion. A victory against Salzburg would ensure that the second leg of their upcoming last sixteen tie takes place at Villa Park, providing a substantial tactical benefit. The Villans will be looking to respond positively following their surprising 1-0 home defeat to Everton in their most recent Premier League fixture at their Birmingham ground.
Emery expressed satisfaction with his team's immediate reaction to that Everton setback, noting consecutive away victories against Fenerbahce and Newcastle United. However, the Villa Park faithful will be eager to witness a third consecutive triumph and a strong performance on home soil. Despite the significance of the Europa League encounter, Emery is anticipated to implement some rotational changes to his starting lineup, with crucial Premier League matches against Brentford and Bournemouth looming on the horizon.
Injury Concerns and Tactical Adjustments
The squad has encountered mounting injury problems in recent weeks, prompting the head coach to avoid unnecessary risks with key players. Midfielder Youri Tielemans is considered highly doubtful for the Salzburg clash after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's match at Newcastle United. Medical assessments suggest the Belgian international is unlikely to be risked, even if the injury proves to be relatively minor in nature.
This situation creates opportunities for other squad members to stake their claim for regular starting positions. With that context established, here is the predicted starting eleven that Unai Emery is likely to field against Red Bull Salzburg in this important European fixture.
Predicted Starting Lineup Analysis
Goalkeeper - Emiliano Martinez: Following an exceptional performance rated 9/10 at St. James' Park, the Argentine World Cup winner is expected to retain his starting position. While Marco Bizot delivered an outstanding display in Istanbul, Emery typically prefers to maintain consistency with his first-choice goalkeeper for European competitions.
Right Back - Matty Cash: The Polish international has established himself as one of the first names on Emery's team sheet, developing into a consistently reliable defensive asset. Cash has successfully adapted to the manager's tactical system after initial uncertainty about right-back options earlier in the campaign.
Centre Back - Ezri Konsa: Villa's number four has experienced occasional defensive lapses this season but has generally maintained excellent form. After being rested during midweek preparations, Konsa will be determined to continue his strong performances ahead of international commitments.
Centre Back - Tyrone Mings: The commanding defender dominated his physical battle against opposition forwards in recent matches and deserves another starting opportunity. While Pau Torres performed competently at Newcastle, Mings is likely to be rotated into the lineup when circumstances permit.
Left Back - Lucas Digne: Emery has alternated between Ian Maatsen and the French defender throughout the current campaign. Digne may receive the nod after providing a valuable assist during weekend Premier League action.
Defensive Midfield - Lamare Bogarde: The versatile Dutch youngster has emerged as an excellent utility option for Villa, with his adaptability being utilised effectively in the defensive midfield role. Bogarde is anticipated to start following Tielemans' injury absence, providing solidity in front of the back four.
Defensive Midfield - Amadou Onana: The Belgian international returned to the starting eleven against Newcastle and delivered an impressive performance. With Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the remainder of the season, Onana can assume a pivotal role during the crucial final matches of Villa's campaign.
Attacking Midfield - Emiliano Buendia: Villa's standout performer against Newcastle with a spectacular long-range strike, the Argentine playmaker has displayed growing confidence in recent appearances. Buendia will be eager to maintain his superb creative form against Salzburg.
Right Wing - Leon Bailey: The Jamaican international worked diligently after coming off the bench on Sunday and could be rewarded with a return to the starting lineup, providing Jadon Sancho with a rest. There remains a possibility that Evann Guessand might receive a starting opportunity, but Bailey appears the more likely selection. The £25 million signing from 2021 would be earning a relatively rare start if selected.
Left Wing - Morgan Rogers: Essentially undroppable when available for selection, Rogers has become an automatic inclusion in Emery's plans. The talented winger has featured in every Premier League starting eleven this season and has maintained consistently high performance levels throughout Villa's Europa League campaign.
Striker - Ollie Watkins: The England international is expected to lead the line once again, though there is potential for a second debut for recent signing Tammy Abraham. The former Chelsea striker could be introduced during the latter stages of the match, likely receiving a warm reception from the Villa Park supporters.
This predicted lineup reflects Emery's need to balance European ambitions with domestic priorities, while managing an increasingly challenging injury situation within his squad. The absence of Tielemans represents a particular concern, but provides opportunities for other players to demonstrate their value ahead of the crucial final months of the season.
