Aston Villa face a critical matchup against Ajax on Thursday evening in the second leg of the Europa Conference League Round of 16, here’s our predicted Villa lineup.
Aston Villa will hope to redeem themselves at Villa Park on Thursday evening, as Ajax await Unai Emery’s side in the Europa Conference League Round of 16 second leg.
The fans will hope to see a better performance than what was on show on Sunday in the Premier League, as the Villans lost 4-0 to Spurs at home to see their top-four hopes take a blow.
All hope is not lost with 10 games left to play in the 2023/24 league campaign however, Emery will hope to see his side get back to winning ways on Thursday night.
With Jacob Ramsey ruled out of the fixture due to injury and Ezri Konsa suspended, the boss will switch up his squad, here’s our predicted Aston Villa lineup against Ajax.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup to play Ajax
Emi Martinez
One player who won’t see his place jeopardised by Sunday’s performance is Emi Martinez, who is firmly the Villans’ number one between the posts.
Lucas Digne
At left-back, Lucas Digne is expected to keep his place after returning to the starting lineup in the first leg, seeing Alex Moreno drop to the bench after covering for the Frenchman’s injury.
Pau Torres
After being withdrawn 45 minutes into the first leg as a precaution, Pau Torres will have the chance to impose himself on Ajax after making a full recovery from injury.
Diego Carlos
Partnering the Spaniard is Diego Carlos, who has shown his worth throughout the course of the season, particularly when complementing the progressive skillset of Torres.
Matty Cash
The suspension of Konsa could open a door for Matty Cash to start after dropping to the bench in the first leg.
The Poland international has the ability to threaten on the right side, adding extra support to the front line.
Morgan Rogers
On the left side of attack should be Morgan Rogers, who was handed his full debut for the Villans in the first leg.
Once dubbed as “superb” by journalist Josh Bunting, the 21-year-old impressed in Amsterdam and could retain his place in the competition, particularly due to Ramsey’s absence.
Douglas Luiz
A constant in midfield is the commanding figure of Douglas Luiz, who will be integral to pulling the strings for the hosts on Thursday night.
John McGinn
Club captain John McGinn will likely partner the Brazilian in midfield despite starting on the bench in the opening leg.
The Scotsman will have a point to prove after being sent off against Spurs on Sunday, in what will be his final spell of action for a while due to suspension.
Leon Bailey
Like McGinn, star player Leon Bailey started on the bench in Amsterdam however, Emery may be inspired to start the Jamaican in order to increase the intensity in attack.
Moussa Diaby
While Bailey should be handed a spot on the right side, Moussa Diaby shouldn’t necessarily lose his place, with the Frenchman having a point to prove to find a way back into the manager’s plans.
Earlier in the season the 24-year-old thrived in the advanced role alongside Ollie Watkins and should get the nod over Youri Tielemans on this occasion after the Belgian’s underwhelming performance against Spurs.
Ollie Watkins
Leading the line is Ollie Watkins, who will be eager to return to his usual level of performance after struggling on Sunday.
Currently sitting on a tally of 21 goals in all competitions, the Englishman will hope to add to his phenomenal record this term by helping his team reach the quarter-finals.
Predicted Aston Villa XI in full (4-4-2): Martinez; Digne, Torres, Carlos, Cash; Rogers, Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins
