Aston Villa take on Go Ahead Eagles in their next Europa League fixture on Thursday night.placeholder image
Aston Villa take on Go Ahead Eagles in their next Europa League fixture on Thursday night. | Getty Images
Aston Villa travel to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League on Thursday evening
Aston Villa hope to continue their 100% start in the Europa League as Unai Emery’s men visit Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles in their third match day on Thursday evening (17:45 BST).
The Villans come into the match in scintillating form, having won five matches on the spin to put to bed the demons of a poor August and September run. Victories over Bologna and Feyenoord in this competition have put the West Midlands outfit in a strong position to secure automatic qualification from the league phase, while Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur last time out demonstrated their continued ability to beat some of the best sides Europe has to offer.
Go Ahead Eagles are relative minnows in comparison with the aforementioned sides, having secured a spot in the Europa League proper for the first time ever after winning the KNVB Cup last season, also achieving their highest Eredivisie position since the introduction of professional football in the Netherlands in the 1950s, finishing seventh.
Aston Villa predicted XI for Go Ahead Eagles clash
GK - Marco Bizot: The Dutchman has started in both of Villa’s Europa League matches so far, keeping clean sheets in both. He has done nothing to lose his place for this one, though Emiliano Martinez remains Emery’s firm No.1 in the Premier League.
RB - Matty Cash: Amidst reports that he has agreed a new four-year deal at Villa Park, Cash is undisputed first-choice at right-back and played a key role in Emiliano Buendia’s winning goal at Spurs last time out with a raking diagonal pass which was praised by Shay Given on Match of the Day 2.
CB - Pau Torres: Though Tyrone Mings is reportedly nearing a return to fitness, he may not be ready to start the match and Torres could therefore continue in his place. Has barely put a foot wrong in recent weeks, starting in all five of Villa’s victories.
LB - Ian Maatsen: Though he struggles for minutes in the league, Maatsen has started both European fixtures so far and looks set to return to the XI on Thursday, giving Lucas Digne a rest.
Predicted Aston Villa midfield and attack for Europa League encounter
CM - Amadou Onana: The Belgian was injured for both of Villa’s previous Europa League fixtures and might get the chance to start in the competition for the first time, having returned to the XI on Sunday.
CM - Lamare Bogarde: The Netherlands U21 international recently started against Fulham and Burnley and could return to the side, replacing Boubacar Kamara, who may be given a rest by Emery.
RM - Evann Guessand: The former Nice forward has often been used wide-right by Emery, and could be deployed there once again. He will hope to get off the mark with his first goal for the Villans.
AM - Emiliano Buendia: Sunday’s match-winner has seen a Villa Park revival so far this season and has likely earnt a place in the starting XI for Thursday. This could provide a perfect opportunity to rest Morgan Rogers, who has shone for club and country in recent weeks. Harvey Elliott will also hope to feature after falling out of favour in recent weeks.
LM - John McGinn: The Scotsman has scored in both of Villa’s Europa League matches thus far and looks set to remain in the XI. He might start slightly further forward, in the wide-left position he played against Spurs. The Villans captain’s versatility remains extremely valuable to Emery.
ST - Donyell Malen: A decision will need to be made on Ollie Watkins’ fitness, after the Villans striker withdrew from England duty and started on the bench at the weekend. It may be viewed as an unnecessary risk to start him in Deventer and Malen could be given the nod through the centre once again, with Watkins primed to return to the starting XI at the weekend against Manchester City.
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