Aston Villa will hope to take a step closer to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League on Thursday, as the Villans travel to Amsterdam to play Ajax in the first leg of the round of 16.
Aston Villa return to action in Europe on Thursday evening as Ajax await Unai Emery’s team in the first leg of the round of 16 knockouts.
After winning the group stages, Villa will hope to start their knockout journey strong at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with Ajax posing an interesting test for the Premier League outfit.
Emery has already seen his side ease past Dutch opposition this season in the tournament, winning twice against AZ Alkmaar during the group stages with an aggregate score of 6-2.
Having tested his adaptability through Villa’s injury woes this season, Emery will now have to decide on his squad selection ahead of Thursday night, with Sunday’s Premier League blockbuster against Spurs in mind.
With injuries and form in mind, here’s our Aston Villa predicted lineup to face Ajax…
Aston Villa Predicted lineup against Ajax
Emiliano Martinez
Despite missing out on one Europa Conference League matchup to allow Robin Olsen to play 90 minutes, Emi Martinez will undoubtedly start between the posts for Villa.
Lucas Digne
There is a debate for the manager to have when it comes to deciding who to field at left-back, with Alex Moreno the favoured choice of late.
That being said, after his goal against Luton Town last week, Lucas Digne could get the nod against Ajax to allow Emery to rotate in his starting XI.
Clement Lenglet
Despite Pau Torres being fit enough to make the bench against Luton, Clement Lenglet should keep his place in the starting lineup to face Ajax in order to rest Torres for longer.
The Spaniard could be crucial for Villa against Spurs, with no chances there to be taken when it comes to risking his fitness for the remainder of the season.
Ezri Konsa
After returning from injury against Luton, Ezri Konsa will be Emery’s first choice in central defence, despite Diego Carlos returning to training from his absence.
Matty Cash
At right back should be Matty Cash, who can provide Villa with additional support in attack if needed.
Morgan Rogers
With Jacob Ramsey expected to miss out after being taken off early against Luton, Emery could opt to hand Morgan Rogers a start after the January arrival impressed in his cameo against the Hatters.
John McGinn
The ever-reliable John McGinn should start alongside Douglas Luiz in the midfield role, with the Villa skipper doing a superb job so far in covering for Boubacar Kamara.
Douglas Luiz
Pairing McGinn is of course Luiz, who is becoming just as an attacking threat as he is a combative presence for the Villans this season.
Leon Bailey
It would be difficult for Emery to drop Leon Bailey under any circumstances this campaign, with the Jamaican causing a relentless threat down the right flank to bolster Villa’s front line.
Moussa Diaby
While Youri Tielemans has impressed in the advanced role in Emery’s 4-4-2 formation, it should be Moussa Diaby who gets the nod over the Belgian against Ajax.
Once lauded as “incredibly dangerous” by Nils Petersen, the Frenchman was influential off the bench against Luton, providing the assist for Digne’s late winner.
Ollie Watkins
Leading the line will be Ollie Watkins, who will be gunning to add to his tally of 18 goals in all competitions this season.
The form of the Englishman has been searing this term, giving Ajax a job to deal with to contain his mastery up front.
