Emi Martinez & Marco Asensio injuries assessed as ‘imperious’ new signing starts - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Club Brugge

Aston Villa have the Champions League quarter-finals in their sights as they take on Club Brugge in the second leg of the round of 16 on Wednesday night.

The Villans take a 3-1 aggregate advantage to Villa Park following last Tuesday’s fortuitous victory in Belgium but the tie is far from over. Brugge are more than capable of overturning the deficit as they were twice victorious against Atalanta in the previous round and are effective in possession, as shown despite their defeat to Villa a week ago.

With a spot in the last eight at stake, Unai Emery is taking this game incredibly seriously and the Spaniard will play his strongest lineup possible. There are no games in the immediate future, either, with a two-and-a-half week break coming up.

There are several selection dilemmas to consider as Emery tries to optimise his team’s chances of holding on to the two-goal lead. Emiliano Martinez and Marco Asensio will both undergo late fitness tests while the right-back, right midfield, left midfield and number 10 spots are all up for debate.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Club Brugge

Without further ado, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name for the second leg at Villa Park.

GK - Emi Martinez: The first-choice goalkeeper missed the win at Brentford but Emery has confirmed he’s able to return against Brugge.

RB - Axel Disasi: Following an imperious man of the match display last time out, Disasi deserves to retain his place at right-back ahead of Matty Cash.

CB - Ezri Konsa: Ever so reliable for Villa throughout much of this season, Konsa very rarely puts on a poor performance. His versatility has been so important.

CB - Tyrone Mings: Probably the standout performer in the return leg and then superb against Brentford, Mings deserves to keep his place. Pau Torres, meanwhile, is being eased back following his return from injury.

LB - Lucas Digne: It’s not been easy for Ian Maatsen to watch on but Digne has earned his status as the lead left-back. His deliveries into the box so often cause problems for opposition defenders.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Now back and available following his cameos against Brugge and Brentford, Kamara is likely to return to the starting XI.

CM - Youri Tielemans: Thriving in the double pivot just as much as he was as a number 10, Tielemans has played more minutes than any other Villa player this season.

RM - John McGinn: One of the hardest-working players in the squad, the skipper could be effective on the right to offer extra defensive cover as Villa seek to hold onto their aggregate advantage.

LM - Marcus Rashford: It’s a tough choice between Jacob Ramsey and Rashford but the latter probably just about gets the nod as Emery rotates in fresher legs.

CAM - Morgan Rogers: The second-most used outfield player this season behind Tielemans, Rogers is so important to Emery’s structure. Marco Asensio has been given the go-ahead to play but it would be a risk to start him so quickly.

ST - Ollie Watkins: A hero at the weekend for his winning strike, Watkins will be keen to add to his disappointing one-goal tally in the Champions League. Donyell Malen will have to wait for his opportunity.