Emery reveals reason for surprising Aston Villa changes against Bologna | OneFootball

Unai Emery reveals why Argentina hero Emiliano Martinez is not playing for Aston Villa against Bologna in the Europa League among big changes.

It kicks off at Villa Park at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

There were quite a few surprises in the starting XI for both teams, the biggest perhaps being that Argentina’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Dibu Martinez was not even on the bench.

“He is injured,” Emery confirmed to TNT Sports.

“It’s a small injury, but he is not available for today.”

Emery makes big changes to Aston Villa against Bologna

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa takes a shot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on October 22, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

In all, he has made four changes from the side that was held to a draw by 10-man Sunderland at the weekend in the Premier League.

Big names like Jadon Sancho, Ollie Watkins and Elliott Harvey are all left on the bench, with Donyell Malen starting as a False 9.

“It’s important for the players to show they wish to use their qualities. Of course, we are watching all of them. We must try to tactically get better, and we need every player,” added the coach.

“We are playing at home, and usually we were feeling so strong here. Hopefully we can show it again, of course we need a step forward and try to do our best.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna and Ian Maatsen of Aston Villa compete for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on October 22, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Bologna already played here last season in the Champions League and were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa, so can it be the right opportunity for Emery to get his first win of this term?

“It will always be very, very difficult. We were playing two years ago in the Conference League, last year in the Champions League. Every match we played, against PSG, Bologna, Juventus, all very difficult.

“When I arrived, it was our dream to play in Europe, it is our third year in a row in Europe, we are so happy, but we have to be very focused to get the win,” concluded Emery.