Aston Villa Gear Up for Europa League Clash with Bologna Amid Key Absences
Unai Emery's Aston Villa are set to return to action after an 18-day break, facing Bologna in Italy on Thursday in a crucial Europa League quarter-final tie. The Villans have an exciting final two months ahead, targeting Europa League glory and a top-five finish in the Premier League, either of which would secure Champions League football next season.
Bologna Boss Labels Side as Underdogs Ahead of Villa Encounter
Bologna manager Italiano has quickly downplayed his team's chances against Villa, despite their recent 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Cremonese in Serie A. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Italiano emphasized, "We go in again knowing that we are the underdogs, but we'll prepare something and try to do something else extraordinary." This comes after Bologna's impressive extra-time victory against Roma in the previous round, which Italiano hailed as a genuine achievement.
Interestingly, Bologna's form has been inconsistent, with a run of five consecutive wins between mid-February and early March, but only two victories in their last six matches across all competitions. Their home record at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium has been particularly poor, with just two wins in 14 games since December 14. In contrast, their away form is strong, boasting six wins in their last seven matches on the road.
Villa Hit by Injuries to Sancho and Barkley Ahead of Crucial Fixture
Aston Villa will be without two key in-form players for Thursday's match. Jadon Sancho is sidelined for two to three weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in a friendly against Elche, potentially forcing John McGinn to shift to the right wing. This move could open up the number 10 role for Youri Tielemans, who offers additional control in midfield.
Ross Barkley, who impressed in recent games against Manchester United and West Ham, is also unavailable as he was not included in Villa's European squad this season. His absence leaves a gap in midfield that Emery must address tactically.
Morgan Rogers' Form Pivotal for Villa's Champions League Ambitions
In the final stretch of the campaign, Villa need Morgan Rogers to rediscover his best form. The 23-year-old playmaker has been a standout performer this season but is currently in a goal drought, failing to score in his last nine Villa appearances. Rogers' versatility and creativity are seen as essential for Emery's tactical plans, with his ability to adapt across multiple roles proving invaluable.
Former Villa captain James Chester recently praised Rogers, highlighting that Champions League qualification could be key to retaining him this summer. Chester stated, "I think Aston Villa securing Champions League football would be huge... a real driver for Morgan to stay at the football club." He added that if Villa achieve this goal, there would be no reason for Rogers to leave, underscoring the importance of European success for squad stability.
Villa face a packed schedule, with seven games in 16 days, due to the March international break and their absence from the FA Cup quarter-finals. This intense period will test their depth and resilience as they push for a historic season.
