Aston Villa will be looking to confirm their place in the next round of the Europa Conference League early with a win over Legia Warsaw. Here’s our predicted XI…
Following an opening group game defeat to Legia back in September, Aston Villa have won every group game. They now find themselves in second place.
With the points in Group E level between Villa and the Polish outfit, the head-to-head could prove to be the difference. As it stands they sit top as they have secured a win over the Villans already.
A draw is enough for both sides to secure their place in the next round, but a fight for top spot would go on. The winning side would go three points clear and in the driving seat in the group. It is safe to say there is a lot riding on this game.
After two wins over AZ Alkmaar in recent weeks, the Villans will feel confident that they can beat anyone. With that being said, Legia will be no pushover as was seen in the opening game.
Taking everything into account, let’s take a look at our predicted XI vs Legia Warsaw…
Aston Villa Predicted XI
With so much riding on the game, there is no one better than Emi Martinez. He is set to start once again. A great performance against Spurs just reinforced how good of a goalkeeper he is.
The back four is an area that Emery has liked to rotate and he is likely to do the same again. The fullbacks, however, are likely to be kept the same. Matty Cash on the right and Lucas Digne on the left is how it has been all season and they join our predicted XI.
At centre back is where the changes come in as Clement Lenglet is hopeful of coming back in. Alongside him, it is a toss of a coin between Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa. With the stake of this game, the Villa boss will go strong and pick England international, Konsa.
It must be said that Youri Tielemans’ form makes him deserving of a start. Alongside Boubacar Kamara, he makes it into our predicted XI. In the wide positions captain, John McGinn will start once again and given his form Douglas Luiz also has to play a part.
The front two will definitely feature this season’s star, Ollie Watkins. Next to him has to be Leon Bailey. Given his form in recent weeks and the lack of form for Moussa Diaby, it makes total sense. Harsh on £52m man, Diaby, but he looks like he needs a break and a chance to come off the bench and make an impact.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne, Tielemans, Luiz, Kamara, McGinn, Bailey, Watkins
