Aston Villa face newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday as they aim to continue their winning start to the season.
Unai Emery is entering an important week in Aston Villa’s season, as following the trip to Ipswich, the Villans host Bayern Munich in the Champions League and then Manchester United.
Many people have questioned whether Emery has the squad to orchestrate another top-four finish and achieve success in Europe’s elite competition.
The Spaniard has already suffered an injury to John McGinn – who will miss the next couple of games – while centre-back Diego Carlos is a doubt for this weekend’s match.
Captain is the bigger loss of the two but that should see Leon Bailey continue in his right-wing role after starting against Wycombe Wanderers in midweek.
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Leon Bailey can exploit Leif Davis weakness vs Ipswich
Last weekend, Bailey returned to the squad against Wolves following injury and was introduced at halftime for McGinn.
It was an enforced change at the time but the Jamaican helped inspire a comeback win, as goals from Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Jhon Duran secured victory.
The Jamaican hasn’t been at his electric best so far this season but his return to the squad serves as a huge boost to Emery, who can use his lightning pace to trouble the left side of Ipswich.
Unlike many other promoted teams in the past, Ipswich don’t sit back when playing superior opposition, instead taking the game to them.
Kieran McKenna uses his talented left wing-back Leif Davis to push forward and offer an outlet high up the pitch. This will be music to the ears of Bailey, who will be licking his lips at the prospect of running into lots of space in behind the defence.
With his wand of a left foot ready to cause destruction, Villa will lean on the 27-year-old to fashion opportunities in the right channel, just like Arne Slot did with Mohamed Salah when they played Ipswich.
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Leon Bailey must step up in McGinn’s absence
Bailey and McGinn are two completely different players. While the Jamaican is a natural wideman who uses his pace and trickery, his teammate is a pressing machine, who picks the ball up from deep and drives forward.
Villa will miss McGinn’s leadership on the pitch and his ability to hound the opposition, with Bailey needing to step up in a different capacity by showcasing his true talent at Portman Road.
The dangerous winger – who they signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million in 2021 – produced a whopping 12 goals and 13 assists last season.
However, he’s yet to show that form in the opening stages of this campaign. Perhaps Sunday’s trip to Portman Road presents an opportunity to do just that.
