Aston Villa XI vs Bologna – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

Aston Villa host Bologna tonight, aiming to book their place in the Europa League semi-finals.

The Villans hold a significant 3–1 aggregate advantage after a clinical display in Italy last week. Unai Emery’s side has won 10 of their 11 Europa League matches this season. Only Chelsea and Villarreal have previously matched this start, and both went on to lift the trophy. Villa Park has become a fortress, with the club winning its last eight European home games.

Historical precedent strongly favours the hosts ahead of this quarter-final second leg. Villa have kept five consecutive home clean sheets against Italian opposition. No Italian player has scored at Villa Park since Zbigniew Boniek in 1983. Therefore, Emery will expect his side to maintain this defensive record and progress comfortably.

Aston Villa team news

The primary concern for the hosts surrounds the fitness of Emi Martinez. The goalkeeper withdrew late on Sunday, leaving Marco Bizot to start between the posts. Bizot is expected to continue if Martinez is not passed fit by the medical staff. Tyrone Mings is also a doubt for the match as he nears a return.

In midfield, Ross Barkley is ineligible due to his omission from the UEFA squad list. Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho also remain unavailable through their respective long-term injuries. Resultantly, Emi Buendía or Douglas Luiz could return to the starting XI to provide creative spark. John McGinn will captain the side as he chases a personal scoring milestone.

Ollie Watkins is on the brink of making history for the Birmingham club tonight. He has scored nine goals in major European competition, level with McGinn and Peter Withe. One more goal would make him the first player to reach double figures for Villa. Moreover, he could become the second Villan to net in three consecutive European starts. Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans are also expected to feature in a balanced lineup.

Aston Villa predicted lineup

Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-4-2): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers; Buendía, Watkins

When will the match kick off?

The Europa League clash at Villa Park kicks off tonight at 20:00 BST.

How to watch Aston Villa vs Bologna?

UK fans can watch live on TNT Sports 2 or stream via HBO Max.

Read more- Arteta ready for ‘magical’ semi-final as Arsenal make history

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