Aston Villa resume their Europa Conference League campaign this Thursday with a trip to Holland, here’s our predicted XI.
Match-day three for Aston Villa in the Conference League and this time, arguably the toughest opponent in Group E, AZ Alkmaar.
The Dutch side are second in the Eredivisie, just two points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven which should be warning enough for Unai Emery to take them seriously.
Group E is incredibly tight with all four teams separated only by goals scored. This leaves Villa bottom however they could quite easily jump to top with a win here.
We therefore expect a strong line-up from Villa, however we do expect a few changes…
Aston Villa predicted XI v AZ Alkmaar
Starting in goal, Emi Martinez is a must start. Robin Olsen has shown himself not to be at the required level just yet, while Martinez is key in the league.
At right-back we see our first change. Matty Cash needs a break at some point, so we expect it might be here, with Ezri Konsa moving across to cover the position. This also gives Villa greater defensive security.
Moving into centre-half, Diego Carlos could return to the starting XI due to his impressive displays and to cover Konsa’s position change.
Next to Carlos, Pau Torres is a necessity and should start over Clement Lenglet here.
Lucas Digne gets the nod at right-back where he has been terrific this season.
Moving forward, we view John McGinn starting on the right side after his heroics last time out in the competition. Guaranteed starter.
On the left is where we want to see a second change. An unexpected one at that. We would like Omari Kellyman to come in as the 18-year-old’s running would be greatly welcomed.
In central midfield the pairing of the man Paul Merson has raved about Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara should both start, with Youri Tielemans unlucky to miss out but he isn’t trusted in high importance games yet.
In attack, the deadly duo of Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins who was included in the team-of-the-week over the weekend, is what we want to see in order to give Villa a huge chance in this one.
Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Kamara, Kellyman; Diaby, Watkins.
