How Aston Villa’s starting lineup could shape up in the second half of the season ahead of a busy end to the windowplaceholder image
How Aston Villa’s starting lineup could shape up in the second half of the season ahead of a busy end to the window | Getty Images/ Canva
How Aston Villa’s starting lineup could shape up in the second half of the season ahead of a busy end to the window
Aston Villa were one of the busiest teams in the 2025 January transfer window, and they look set to follow that pattern with another action-packed window this time around.
Unai Emery’s side have already attracted Brazilian prodigy Alysson Edward to the football club from Gremio while they also signed teenager Brian Madjo to strengthen the quality of young talent the club has at its disposal.
Villa raised eyebrows by allowing Donyell Malen to depart to AS Roma just 12 months after his arrival but are believed to be working frantically to find a replacement in attack.
Meanwhile, the West Midlands outfit are also thought to be interested in midfield reinforcements after Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending injury, and perhaps further options to solidify the defence.
With that in mind, we take a look at what Villa’s line-up could potentially look like in the remaining months of the season, if they get all their January business over the line.
Aston Villa predicted line-up: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Emi Martinez: The Argentine international was the subject of rampant interest from Manchester United but ultimately decided to stay despite talk of PSR issues. He’s turned a corner in terms of form and looks set to remain the No.1 until the summer at the very least. Interest from Inter Milan is picking up, though.
RB: Matty Cash: Polish international Cash has enjoyed arguably his best season yet in a Villa shirt. He’s been a near ever-present this term and has been extremely consistent.
CB: Ezri Konsa: The 28-year-old is now Aston Villa’s vice captain and a massive leader in the dressing room for Unai Emery’s team. He’s also enjoying a stellar campaign and has put himself in a strong position to start for England at the World Cup this summer.
LB: Ian Maatsen: Former Chelsea ace Maatsen is currently winning the battle to be Villa’s first choice left-back amid strong competition from Lucas Digne. The pair are regularly rotated but for the time being the Dutchman seems to have the upper hand.
Aston Villa predicted line-up: midfield and attack
CM: Amadou Onana: Club-record signing Onana is expected to be back from injury before the end of the month and is likely to be a crucial player in the second half of the campaign, particularly after Kamara’s injury blow.
CAM: Youri Tielemans: Belgian international Tielemans has proven his quality in various midfield roles but could be shifted further forward to help the team in the second half of the campaign.
RW: Morgan Rogers: Whether he’s playing through the middle or out-wide Rogers is a force to be reckoned with and one of the club’s most important attacking players.
LW: Emi Buendia: Argentine international Buendia is likely to get a real run in the team following John McGinn’s injury which is likely to keep him out for a number of weeks. He looks a rejuvenated player this season after his own challenges with injury earlier in his career.
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