Aston Villa are set for European action at Villa Park for the first time in a long time, but after an opening day loss it is now must win.
Unai Emery and his side will be coming into this game against the Bosnians full of confidence. That being because of the thrashing that Villa handed to Brighton last weekend, 6-1 at Villa Park.
Therefore, the visit of the Bosnian champs is an eagerly anticipated one with the hopes that Villa can bounce back to form in this competition after an opening day loss.
Losing to Legia Warsaw was a blow which will have taught Villa there are no easy away days in Europe, but this game should be a different story.
So with a must win game, we see Emery as usual mixing first team and rotation, here’s what we’ve predicted.
Aston Villa predicted XI
Emery likely won’t rotate as heavily as he did last time out in the Conference League in order to get his first points onto the board.
Therefore in goal, we see Emi Martinez getting the nod over Robin Olsen who has been poor when played this season.
At right-back Matty Cash should continue as he looks in immaculate form, on the opposite side to him, Lucas Diane should play at left-back.
The two centre-halves should allow Pau Torres some rest, with Clement Lenglet coming in alongside Ezri Konsa.
In midfield, finally we see Douglas Luiz getting some rest here, as Youri Tielemans comes in as the replacement. He has steadily improved as he builds fitness and will be partnered with Boubacar Kamara.
Jacob Ramsey should replace Nicolo Zaniolo on the left, with John McGinn on the right.
Moussa Diaby should be fit to start just behind Ollie Watkins up front.
A strong line-up that should in theory leave no doubt of a win which could ignite their European campaign.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Tielemans, Ramsey; Diaby, Watkins.
