Aston Villa predicted XI: Unai Emery’s troops look to finish off Bologna and seal Europa League semi final spot | OneFootball

On the brink of something special, Aston Villa return to home turf looking to finish the job in their Europa League quarter-final tie against Bologna.

The Villans claimed an emphatic 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, placing one foot in the last four and firmly in control of their own fate.

Despite the scoreline, the reverse fixture was hardly a walk in the park for Villa.

Their overly cautious approach nearly cost them early on, and they needed a slice of fortune as Bologna saw a goal ruled out for offside and rattled the crossbar.

But once the storm passed, Unai Emery’s side settled into their rhythm and began to show their quality when it mattered most.

Ezri Konsa opened the scoring somewhat against the run of play, giving the travelling fans something to cheer about on the stroke of half-time.

Ollie Watkins doubled Villa’s advantage just six minutes into the second half before making it a brace deep into stoppage time, although Jonathan Rowe briefly gave the hosts hope of a comeback in between.

Watkins’ late goal ensured Villa return to home turf with a somewhat comfortable two-goal lead, and Emery will be keen for his side to finish the job later tonight.

Villa have become clear favourites to win the title, especially with a serial Europa League winner like Emery at the helm, so the Spaniard will likely field a strong line-up and leave nothing to chance.

How Aston Villa could line up:

Emery is poised to make three changes to the side that drew 1-1 against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend.

While they’re sweating on the fitness of Emiliano Martinez, Marco Bizot should step in between the sticks while Ezri Konsa returns to partner Pau Torres at the heart of the defence.

It’s as you were for Matty Cash and Lucas Digne, who are likely to start behind a midfield combination of Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans.

Emiliano Buendia, who has 14 goal contributions this season, should return to join Morgan Rogers and John McGinn in attack, while Watkins leads the line.