Surprise starter in defence as John McGinn decision made - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Celtic

Aston Villa take on arguably their most important fixture of the season so far as they welcome Scottish Premiership champions Celtic to Villa Park on Wednesday night.

The time has finally come for Villa’s eighth and final match of the league phase in the UEFA Champions League, the game that could make all the difference for the 2024/25 campaign as a whole. Not only would a top-eight spot secure immediate qualification for the last 16, but it would prevent Villa from adding two more matches to their already hectic February schedule.

With Unai Emery’s side ninth, beating Celtic would give a great chance of finishing in that illustrious top eight. If any one of Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen lose and Villa claim all three points, it would be enough. A substantial enough victory over Celtic would also be sufficient if one of those four teams draws.

Emery has a couple of selection dilemmas to consider this midweek, one being whether to start Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran up top and the other at centre-back. Ezri Konsa is a shoe-in on the right but the left spot is up for grabs as Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are both injured. With those two choices discussed, here’s the starting XI we reckon will be named.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Celtic

GK - Emi Martinez

The World Cup winner has kept four clean sheets in seven Champions League games. He’ll be eager to extend that to five shut-outs here.

RB - Matty Cash

Cash is likely to start once again as Konsa will play central with so many injuries in the back line. Diego Carlos’ exit solidifies this eventuality.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa will have to play a lot of minutes over the next few weeks as Villa continue their busy run. The England international is pivotal to this team.

CB - Sil Swinkels

In for a surprise first-ever Champions League start, Swinkels has a good chance of replacing the injured Tyrone Mings. Emery insists on playing a left-footer at left centre-half when possible.

LB - Lucas Digne

Still ahead of Ian Maatsen in the pecking order but only just, Digne is being pushed to his limits. The competition is very healthy and Emery has the ability to rotate if he so desires.

RM - Leon Bailey

The Jamaican has been in and out of the team of late but he’s begun to look a little more like his former, more confident self. Bailey needs to step up following Donyell Malen’s arrival.

CM - Boubacar Kamara

Kamara is possibly an option to fill in at centre-back alongside Konsa but Emery loves having him at the base of midfield. The Frenchman has been one of the first names on the team sheet since his return.

CM - John McGinn

The skipper, now back from injury just in time for this cracker, is hyped to be playing Scottish giants Celtic. McGinn’s aggression and determination are perfect for the central midfield role.

LM - Morgan Rogers

Almost just as effective on the left as he is through the centre, Rogers enjoys tucking in and taking on defenders to kick-start attacks.

CAM - Youri Tielemans

The Belgium international has played in a variety of positions this campaign but arguably his best has been just behind the striker. Jhon Duran could theoretically start but Emery has admitted he prefers just one out-and-out forward type.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins has scored two and assisted two in his last five outings across all competitions. That should be enough to keep him in ahead of Jhon Duran, but it’s a very tough choice.