Aston Villa take on Bournemouth tomorrow as attention turns back to the Premier League after Thursday’s chaotic Europa Conference League clash against Lille.
Emi Martinez was the hero in midweek, saving two penalties to send Villa through to a historic European semi-final.
Thursday’s drama must be quickly forgotten with Champions League qualification still in Villa’s hands.
After a disappointing week for English clubs in Europe, a fourth-place finish will be required to ensure passage through to Europe’s elite competition next season.
The Villans are currently three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur, although Ange Postecoglou’s men do hold an all-important game in hand.
How will Aston Villa line up against Bournemouth tomorrow?
Aston Villa News envisages Emery making two changes to the side that triumphed on Thursday evening.
The first alteration is enforced and will come in midfield. Douglas Luiz is set to complete the last game of his domestic suspension on Sunday and will have to miss out. John McGinn will likely drop back into a deeper role, seeing Morgan Rogers return to the starting lineup.
The £15million January signing was introduced midway through the first half on Thursday due to Nicolo Zaniolo being forced off through injury. The £60,000-a-week Italian won’t start against the Cherries, with Leon Bailey returning after his first-half rest against Lille.
At the top end of the pitch, Ollie Watkins will lead the line, and Moussa Diaby will retain his place. Youri Tielemans should partner McGinn in midfield in front of an unchanged back five. Matty Cash, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne and Martinez will all retain their places.
Aston Villa must put Thursday’s UECL clash quickly behind them
With Liverpool, West Ham United, Manchester City, and Arsenal all crashing out of their respective European competitions this week, the importance of Villa’s domestic performance has been heightened.
Of course, winning a European competition should be the priority, but the long-term financial implications of finishing in the top four could be massive.
NSWE’s ambition for the club is to break into the traditional Premier League big boys. Champions League football is non-negotiable if that aim is to become reality.
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