Aston Villa will face off against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Thursday night as they look to secure a win on the road in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal clash. The Villans secured a solid 2-0 win over West Ham United in their last competitive match, so they would be confident about securing a result away in Italy this week.
Unai Emery will set his men up in a 4-4-2 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first XI for this game. Both Emi Buendia and Youri Tielemans could play from the start of this clash.
4-4-2 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Bologna
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will feature in between the sticks for the Villans as he looks to keep a clean sheet on the road this week. Ezri Konsa will operate alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the Aston Villa backline as they look to keep the opposition attackers at bay during the 90 minutes.
Matty Cash will try to catch the eye as the right-back, while Lucas Digne hopes to give a good account of himself on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.
Tyrone Mings will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
Midfield
Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana will anchor the midfield for the Villans as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park and orchestrate some inviting chances for their teammates in the final third.
John McGinn will try to put in a hard-working performance on the right flank, while Emi Buendia looks to prove his worth as the left-sided wide player. Both of them will try to go forward and make some runs in behind the Bologna backline.
Douglas Luiz and Ross Barkley will have to settle for a place on the bench as they wait for their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if required.
Attack
Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins will lead the charge for the West Midlands club in the final third. Both of them will have to combine well if the Villans are to secure a good result away in Italy this Thursday night.
Tammy Abraham will be available for selection on the bench.
