Here is a possible starting lineup for Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League matchup against AZ Alkmaar, which takes place on Thursday night. Unai Emery may use this lineup.
After losing to Legia Warsaw on the first game day, Villa bounced back nicely, winning two straight games to take second place in Group E and, as things stand, a strong position to progress.
Even though the team defeated Alkmaar 4-1 the previous time out, Emery is unlikely to make many changes and deviate from his starting lineup because this looks to be another tough test given the calibre of the opposition and their desire to secure a vital victory away from home.
Team news for Villa versus AZ Alkmaar
During his pre-game press conference, the Villa manager gave an update to the media regarding Matty Cash’s recovery from his shoulder injury sustained against Nottingham Forest over the weekend. He will be available for selection.
A strong indication suggested that Alex Moreno, who is expected to return to action following the international break, is now ready to play after recovering from his hamstring injury. However, it’s still too early for Jacob Ramsey.
Jhon Duran is also anticipated to be included in the squad for this match because he was observed in training this week and seems to have recovered from his toe injury.
One change Emery could make to his Villa XI
Winning this matchup will greatly increase our chances of making it out of the group, which could allow Emery more leeway and less pressure in our final two group games so that he can rotate more.
It seems like we’ll stick with a strong lineup once more, especially considering how tough the opposition is, so Emiliano Martinez should start in goal.
Although Cash might be well enough to play, there might be a few defensive changes ahead of him. Diego Carlos might partner Clement Lenglet at right back, and Ezri Konsa might start in place of Pau Torres if we decide to rest him for this match.
With Moreno hopefully ready to come off the bench in the second half and get crucial playing time to improve his match fitness and sharpness, Lucas Digne may be able to hold down his position at left back. Considering how long the Spaniard’s layoff has been, a start would come as a surprise.
John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara should form a formidable midfield tandem, and Youri Tielemans might get a chance to show off if Douglas Luiz is rested on this particular night after a demanding season thus far.
Nicolo Zaniolo, who would play on the left side, could complete the midfield quartet. Moussa Diaby would then partner Ollie Watkins in the final third. Zaniolo’s inclusion might make more sense in the home game, as AZ might sit back and reduce the amount of space in back, making it harder for us to break them down.
Leon Bailey could easily replace either Zaniolo or Diaby, though, given his recent play, which suggests he should play a larger part in this particular match. It will be interesting to see Emery’s selection as we look to move closer to making the knockout stage.
Predicted Aston Villa XI vs AZ Alkmaar: Martinez, Konsa, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans, Zaniolo; Diaby, Watkins.
How do you see Villa lining up for this game? Any changes to the above XI?