Here is our predicted XI to face Legia Warsaw in Europa Conference League action away from home against Legia Warsaw.
Aston Villa make their long awaited return to European football on Thursday evening as they travel to Poland with Legia Warsaw awaiting.
Unai Emery’s side faced no problems in reaching the group stages as they swept Hibernian aside in the play-off round 8-0.
Legia come into the game in top form with four wins and two draws this season so far.
Therefore we are expecting a strong team from Emery to show respect to his opponents.
Here is how we think he’ll line-up…
Aston Villa predicted XI
The most nailed down position there is, Emi Martinez is Aston Villa’s goalkeeper and nothing will stop him from leading the Villa out in Europe.
Matty Cash has been on fire for Villa this season and will start on a trip to his international side of Poland. On the other side Lucas Digne will start as he looks to continue his incredible run of form.
A centre-half pairing of Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa should both start as they’re vital for Emery. Torres will be huge given his experience on the continent while Konsa has become a key player.
In central midfield we see Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz. Tielemans needs game-time and this could be where he gets it, he has performed really well when he’s been played. Luiz is Villa’s key man and will be vital throughout this campaign.
John McGinn should get the nod on the right side, given he has been brilliant lately. On the other side, Nicolo Zaniolo who has spoken of how happy he is to be here, now lets let him thrive in a competition he has experience of winning.
Moussa Diaby is the biggest threat Villa have so he should get the nod playing just off the striker.
Finally up-front Ollie Watkins who will look to breakout as a star in Europe this season and can start here with a good performance against Legia.
Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Tielemans, Luiz, Zaniolo; Diaby, Watkins.
