Aston Villa's Predicted Starting XI for Europa League Showdown with Fenerbahce
Unai Emery is grappling with several significant selection dilemmas as Aston Villa gear up for their crucial Europa League league-phase encounter against Turkish giants Fenerbahce on Thursday evening. The match represents Villa's penultimate fixture in the group stage, adding considerable weight to Emery's team selection decisions.
Injury Concerns and Squad Availability
The Villans approach this European clash on the back of a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Everton in the Premier League, a result compounded by mounting injury concerns within the squad. The most severe blow comes with the confirmation that influential midfielder Boubacar Kamara is likely to miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury during Villa's FA Cup third-round victory over Tottenham Hotspur ten days ago.
Captain John McGinn's recent injury, picked up during the Everton match, has further exacerbated Villa's fitness issues, leaving Emery with limited options in midfield. Additionally, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley have been unavailable for selection, though there is positive news regarding their recoveries. Onana is reportedly close to returning to first-team training, with Barkley expected to follow shortly afterwards. Both players will become increasingly important during the second half of the campaign, particularly in light of Kamara's extended absence.
Predicted Defensive Setup
In goal, World Cup winner Emi Martinez has returned to full fitness and is expected to retain his position between the posts against Fenerbahce. The defensive line could see a notable change, with Victor Lindelof potentially coming in at right-back to replace Matty Cash. This adjustment would see Ezri Konsa partnering Pau Torres in central defence, while Lucas Digne continues his role at left-back, providing experience and attacking threat from wide areas.
Midfield and Attacking Configuration
The midfield double pivot is anticipated to feature Lamare Bogarde alongside Youri Tielemans, with Bogarde's energy and defensive discipline complementing Tielemans' creative passing range. Further forward, Evann Guessand could be handed a starting berth on the right flank, with Morgan Rogers operating in the number ten role behind the striker.
On the left side, Jadon Sancho may feature if he has sufficiently recovered from a recent illness, adding pace and directness to Villa's attacking movements. Ollie Watkins remains the only recognised senior striker available to Emery following Donyell Malen's loan departure to AS Roma, which includes an obligation for the Italian club to make the transfer permanent.
Fenerbahce's Threat and Familiar Faces
The Turkish opponents will be boosted by the availability of former Villa forward Jhon Duran, whose Europa League suspension has been successfully reduced from two matches to one. Additionally, Marco Asensio is set to reunite with his former club after joining Fenerbahce from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, adding further quality to their attacking options.
Predicted Aston Villa Starting XI: Martinez; Lindelof, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bogarde, Tielemans; Guessand, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins.
This lineup reflects both the necessity imposed by injuries and Emery's tactical considerations for a match that could prove pivotal in determining Villa's progression in European competition. The manager's ability to navigate these selection challenges while maintaining competitive performance levels will be thoroughly tested against formidable opposition.
