A Champions League night at Villa Park is always a special occasion, and Unai Emery will be aiming to continue their 100% home record in the competition.
Aston Villa saw off Bayern Munich thanks to Jhon Duran’s stunning winner before clinching a 2-0 victory over Bologna.
On Wednesday night, they host a Juventus side who have endured an injury crisis, with Thiago Motta confirming the absence of eight first-team stars, including former Villa star Douglas Luiz.
Juventus have also won just three of their last 15 meetings on English shores, perhaps handing Unai Emery some confidence in ending their six-match winless run.
That isn’t the only reason why the Spaniard will be feeling confident, as Emery confirmed Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara will make Villa’s matchday squad tomorrow night.
Konsa, who suffered an injury on national duty with England, could slot straight back into defence but the decision to start Kamara is far from straightforward.
Unai Emery’s midfield selection dilemma
Following the return of two first-team stars, Aston Villa’s only absentees are now midfield powerhouse Amadou Onana and winger Jacob Ramsey.
The pair were missed during Saturday’s draw against Crystal Palace, as was Kamara, who will hope to be involved in the Champions League.
MORE VILLA STORIES
The Frenchman is competing for a spot in midfield next to one of Ross Barkley or Youri Tielemans – unless Emery decides to play all three.
Barkley and Tielemans started last time out and Stan Collymore was critical of Emery’s high line, urging the manager to go back to basics.
Perhaps Kamara’s return will be the difference as the Frenchman offers far more defensive protection and aggression centrally.
Emery should start Boubacar Kamara against Juventus
For most of this campaign, Emery has utilised Tielemans as a deep-lying playmaker with Morgan Rogers flourishing as an attacking midfielder.
Rogers has been criticised for giving the ball away too much while Tielemans played some of his best football in an advanced midfield role last term.
With the Frenchman now available to start on Wednesday, the former Arsenal boss can maybe find more stability in deploying a double pivot of Barkley and Kamara.
This change would not only unlock Tielemans creativity further up the pitch but handing Rogers the freedom to stretch wide or tuck in could be the recipe for a winning formula.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how Emery approaches his team selection, although it’s clear Villa are better when Kamara plays and he should therefore unleash him.
Related Posts