Aston Villa predicted XI vs Feyenoord: four changes made as Unai Emery's side look to build winning run
The Villans are looking to make it two wins from two in the Europa League
Next up for Aston Villa is a match against Dutch giants, Feyenoord in the League phase on Thursday, under the lights at De Kuip.
After a disappointing start to the season, Unai Emery will be looking to build confidence from his side’s victories over Bologna and Fulham. Goals from Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia were enough to earn Villa a much-needed three points against The Cottagers on Sunday.
The Watkins goal in particular will give encouragement to Villa fans as the 29-year old ended his seven game goal drought. Now that he’s got that monkey off his back, Emery will be hoping that he can get his star man back to his best.
As we know, Emery likes to rotate his squad as much as possible, but their Europa League opponents cannot be overlooked. In a match between two sides with a European Cup to their name, Villa can expect an intimidating atmosphere in Rotterdam against a rampant Feyenoord team. Robin Van Persie’s men currently sit top of the Dutch Eredivisie, accumulating 19 points from a possible 21.
With another important match against Burnley on Sunday around the corner, Emery has some selection headaches for the European clash. The Spaniard will have to decide whether to play Marco Bizot or Emiliano Martinez between the sticks. The former kept a clean sheet against Bologna last week. He will also have to make a decision on Morgan Rogers, who has featured in every game this season but looks far from his best. Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana remain out, while Ross Barkley is lacking match fitness.
Here’s a look at how we think Villa will line up against Feyenoord on Thursday night:
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Feyenoord: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Emiliano Martinez - Despite Bizot’s clean sheet last week, Emery should stick with his World Cup-winning number one. He indicated that the only reason the Argentine missed out last week was because of a knock.
RB: Matty Cash - Has been in good goalscoring form of late, both for Poland and for Villa. He’s started every match so far and has been a reliable figure for Emery at the back.
CB: Ezri Konsa - The mainstay and rock in defence, the England International is set to keep his place. He crucially blocked a shot off the line in the win over Fulham.
CB: Pau Torres - Set to replace Mings when he went off with an injury against Fulham last week after half an hour. The Spaniard was unlucky not to start in that match anyway after an impressive performance against Bologna.
LB: Ian Maatsen - The 23-year old was on Feyenoord’s books as a teenager and is set to start against the club where it all began for him. He was preferred to Lucas Digne in the Europa League last week.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Feyenoord: midfield and attack
CM: Boubacar Kamara - Was a vital part of protecting the lead in the Fulham win. Villa have been given a huge boost now their midfield stalwart is back up to speed fitness wise.
CM: John McGinn - With two goals in two, the Scotsman looks back to his best and is getting into forward areas more often. During an incident with Joachim Andersen he suffered a slight injury scare against Fulham, but should be ok for Thursday night.
RM: Harvey Elliot - The Liverpool loanee has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing season. Despite not having his best game against Fulham he’s expected to keep his place in the starting XI.
AM: Morgan Rogers - Despite being out of form compared to last season, the 23-year old registered his first assist of the season against Fulham. Emery will be hoping now that the team is starting to flourish, so can his exciting talent.
LM: Donyell Malen - Evann Guessand and Emiliano Buendia can count themselves unlucky after their recent performances, but the Dutchman is due a start, in a position Emery likes to rotate.
ST: Ollie Watkins - Having finally got his goal, he should keep his place in the team. Over the years Watkins has been inconsistent with his goalscoring record, but when he’s on form he’s unplayable.