Aston Villa's European Finale: Predicted Starting XI for RB Salzburg Clash
Unai Emery is grappling with several significant selection dilemmas as Aston Villa prepare to conclude their Europa League league phase campaign on Thursday evening against Austrian side RB Salzburg. The match at Villa Park represents a crucial opportunity for the Midlands club to solidify their position in the competition's knockout rounds.
Injury Crisis in Midfield
The team's preparations have been severely hampered by a mounting injury crisis, particularly in midfield. The situation worsened following the recent 2-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle United, where Youri Tielemans sustained an ankle injury that is expected to sideline the Belgian international for approximately two months.
This setback compounds existing absences, with club captain John McGinn not due to return until March and key defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara ruled out for the remainder of the season. In response to this emergency, Villa have moved swiftly to secure the loan signing of Douglas Luiz, with that deal anticipated to be finalised imminently.
Attack and Defence Considerations
Further complicating Emery's selection process is the unavailability of striker Tammy Abraham, who recently returned to the club. Due to UEFA regulations limiting clubs to registering only three new players for the knockout phase, Abraham will not be eligible to feature against Salzburg.
In defence, Emi Martínez is expected to continue as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, likely protected by a back four consisting of Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrone Mings, and Lucas Digne. This experienced defensive unit will be crucial against a Salzburg side known for their attacking prowess.
Midfield and Forward Predictions
The midfield partnership is anticipated to feature Lamare Bogarde alongside Amadou Onana, a combination that may also start in the upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford. This pairing will need to provide both defensive solidity and creative distribution against energetic opposition.
In the attacking third, Ollie Watkins remains the squad's only recognised senior striker and is almost certain to lead the line. He is predicted to be supported by an attacking trio of Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, and Jadon Sancho, offering a blend of pace, creativity, and goal threat.
European Campaign Context
Villa approach this final group match in strong European form, having secured six victories from their seven continental fixtures this season. Their solitary defeat came against Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles in a surprising result in Deventer. Last week's important 1-0 away victory against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, combined with FC Midtjylland's 3-3 draw at Brann, propelled Villa into the top two positions of the league-phase table.
Predicted Aston Villa Starting XI: Martínez; Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Digne; Bogarde, Onana; Guessand, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins.
