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Unai Emery could experiment with Jaden Philogene and Jhon Duran against RB Leipzig.
Aston Villa fly out to Germany to take on Leizpig in the Champions League this Tuesday night.
If the Villans win at Red Bull Arena and other results elsewhere go favourably, a top-24 finish could be confirmed this midweek. Unai Emery knows it won’t be easy to win at Leipzig, though, as shown by Villa’s 2-0 defeat at the German Bundesliga side back in pre-season.
Villa head into this clash ninth in the Champions League standings having won three, drawn one and lost one of their first five outings. Leipzig’s record is rather contrasting as Marco Rose’s men have lost all five of their European matches.
Emery will be forced to make at least one change from the starting lineup that beat Southampton 1-0 as Leon Bailey is sidelined with a hamstring injury. There could be some other rotation, too, with the head coach doing his best to keep his squad fresh for the busy festive schedule.
With that in mind, here’s the Villa XI we think will be named at Red Bull Arena.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Leipzig
GK - Emi Martinez
Martinez, widely regarded as the world’s number one, has conceded just one goal in the Champions League so far this season.
RB - Matty Cash
Cash, who scored his first goal of the season against Brentford, didn’t play a single minute at the weekend - probably with this game in mind.
CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa could move back infield to centre-half if Cash does indeed return to the lineup. The England international’s versatility has been handy.
CB - Pau Torres
Emery is likely to prefer Pau’s technicality over Tyrone Mings’ physical attributes in what is expected to be a game of tactical chess at Red Bull Arena.
LB - Lucas Digne
The Frenchman came on as a second-half substitute against Southampton, so he’s well rested and expected to return to the XI.
RM - John McGinn
The skipper has started the last couple of matches as an advanced attacking midfielder but he’ll probably move to right midfield in Leon Bailey’s absence.
CM - Boubacar Kamara
Kamara struggled a little against Chelsea but he looked back near his best in the wins over Brentford and Southampton.
CM - Youri Tielemans
The Belgium international has operated superbly in the double pivot so far this term, performing a seven or eight out of 10 no matter the result.
Jaden Philogene could be given a new lease of life with a switch across to the left flank.Jaden Philogene could be given a new lease of life with a switch across to the left flank.
Jaden Philogene could be given a new lease of life with a switch across to the left flank. | Getty Images
LM - Jaden Philogene
Philogene has perhaps become too predictable on the right flank, so a move to the left could suit him. The £15million signing needs to come good soon.
ST - Jhon Duran
Duran doesn’t deserve to be benched after his winning goal last time out. Two up top could be the way forward with Emery’s options for rotation limited in advanced areas.
ST - Ollie Watkins
Watkins is yet to score in the Champions League but he’ll be desperate to change that. The England international has seven goals in the Premier League this term.
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