Aston Villa star John McGinn doing his trademark celebration
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Wed 15 April 2026 17:10, UK
John McGinn must remain wary as Aston Villa prepare to face Bologna on Thursday.
The Scotland international has been one of the most important players in B6 ever since signing from Hibernian in 2018.
That has continued from Championship to Champions League and remains the case moving into a Europa League quarter-final in 2026.
The Villans are set to play host to Vincenzo Italiano’s side, knowing that an aggregate win would carry them into a European semi-final for the second time in three years.
McGinn will play a key role against Bologna, but the threat of suspension could hamper his performance in the Midlands.
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John McGinn one yellow card away from suspension at Aston Villa
The return of the skipper has made a massive difference after many weeks of frustrating performances in claret and blue.
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He has featured in just one loss since coming back, and he won’t want that record to change any time soon.
Stat John McGinn
Matches played 6
Wins 4
Draws 1
Losses 1
John McGinn Aston Villa record since 12 March injury return
The 31-year-old played a key role against Bologna in the first leg as the Villans sealed an all-important 3-1 win.
He featured for the full 90, took one shot, completed one cross and one long ball, as well as a 100 per cent duel win rate.
That sort of presence will be needed in the return tie, but he will be playing knowing that a yellow card would rule him out of the semi-final first leg, if Villa get there.
John McGinn Aston Villa yellow card Europa League
The Scot has picked up two yellow cards throughout the tournament, and just one more would result in a suspension.
McGinn was a force against Bologna last time around, but may need to play the upcoming clash with the handbrake up a little bit.
Aston Villa face suspension risk for five stars
The midfielder is just one of five Villa players who sit on two yellow cards and are walking on thin ice against Bologna.
Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash, Lucas Digne and Victor Lindelof all share the honour with McGinn and must be careful in the Midlands.
Losing anyone at this stage of the continental competition would be a blow as the hope of winning the whole thing grows week after week.
Morgan Rogers Lucas Digne Matty Cash Victor Lindelof Aston Villa yellow card Europa League
Credit: Breaking Media
That could all have a detrimental impact on the Villans’ performance as several stars could have their eye on the semi-final rather than the game at hand.
Emery has to manage those expectations and make sure his players do the job at Villa Park.
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