Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Premier League high-fliers Aston Villa could line up for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bologna.
Three weeks on from a memorable triumph in their first Champions League home game, Aston Villa will welcome Bologna to Villa Park on Tuesday, when they aim to make it three wins from three in this year’s league phase.
The team that beat Bayern Munich earlier this month was missing captain John McGinn, but the Scotland midfielder made his comeback from a hamstring injury by appearing as a substitute in Saturday’s Premier League win over Fulham.
It remains to be seen whether Unai Emery will risk McGinn from the start against Bologna, but his return could allow Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey or even Morgan Rogers to take a breather.
Having been beset by injuries ahead of the international break, Villa have also welcomed back versatile England defender Ezri Konsa, who might slot in at right-back, replacing Matty Cash.
Alternatively, either Diego Carlos or Pau Torres could be rested, with Cash keeping his place despite carelessly conceding a penalty at the weekend; Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen are competing to start on the left.
A pair of long-term absentees should also feature on the bench, as Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are both back in full training and have been given some minutes with the Aston Villa Under-21s to boost their match fitness.
Ahead of hosting Bournemouth at the weekend, Emery may rotate his squad where possible, with Ross Barkley pushing for selection in central midfield and Colombian super-sub Jhon Duran – who scored the winner against Bayern – hoping to be handed a rare start up front.
However, Ollie Watkins remains first choice for now, while Rogers is an established fixture in the England striker’s supporting cast and has completed more dribbles than any other player in the Champions League so far this season.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins
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