Aston Villa travel to Bosnia this week to face Zrinjski Mostar, knowing that they need at least a point to secure top spot in the group. This is our predicted XI…
So far, it has been nearly a perfect start to their Europa Conference League campaign for Aston Villa this season.
After a loss in their first game against Legia Warsaw, Unai Emery’s side have won every other game. This included back-to-back wins over AZ Alkmaar and a close-fought win over the Polish outfit in the return fixture.
As a result of this form, the Villans are now guaranteed to progress into the next round of the competition. With that being said, a point or more against Zrinjski will see them claim top spot in the group.
With their place confirmed already, there may be plenty of changes to the starting side this midweek. Here is our predicted XI vs Zrinjski…
Aston Villa predicted XI vs Zrinjski Mostar
In goal, Emi Martinez has been an ever-present for the Villans, although Robin Olsen did come in last time out. Given that the Swede wasn’t on the bench in the last two games, he may miss out here. With that being said, Filip Marschall may come in for his Villa debut.
The backline has been great in recent weeks but will likely see some changes. Alex Moreno will come in from the start, as will Clement Lenglet. Matty Cash will reprise his role at right-back after being displaced recently. In the right centre-back role, it could be anyone but in our predicted XI we suggest Ezri Konsa will start.
In midfield, there will be some changes. Leander Dendoncker should start after his cameo vs Arsenal. Given that he is suspended vs Brentford, Douglas Luiz should start today. Alongside them will be Jacob Ramsey and Nicolo Zaniolo who are in need of game time.
Upfront in our predicted XI is Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran who are both in desperate need of minutes and a goal. These two as a pair could pose lots of danger to the Zrinjski backline. With their pace, power and eye for goal, they should be enough to secure all three points.
Even if there are plenty of changes to the starting XI, there is more than enough quality to get by Zrinjski and win the game.
Predicted XI: Marschall, Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Moreno, Zaniolo, Luiz, Dendoncker, Ramsey, Diaby, Watkins
