Matty Cash decision made as ‘terrible’ defender benched - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Bayern Munich

Villa Park will host elite-level European football for the first time since 1983 on Wednesday night as the men in claret and blue welcome 32-time German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

A sell-out crowd is expected under the lights for the most highly-anticipated fixture in the club’s recent history. All the blood, sweat and tears of the past few decades have led up to this moment and there’s not long left to wait for the crescendo.

A gutted John McGinn won’t be able to lead out Villa this midweek as the skipper is still recovering from a hamstring injury, but there could be a return for Matty Cash as the right-back was due back in training at the start of this week.

Emery has established his preferred midfield and attack for much of this season but still has several dilemmas in defence. Could Diego Carlos be axed following his mistake at Ipswich Town on Sunday? Is Cash ready to start? Could Lamare Bogarde come back in?

With all those questions considered, here’s the Villa lineup we predict Emery will name against Bayern.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Bayern Munich

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez has been waiting for this moment for years as he’s dreamt of Champions League football with the Villa. The time has finally arrived.

RB - Lamare Bogarde

Bogarde had a shaky game at Wycombe but has otherwise done a decent job when called upon. Matty Cash is back in training but faces a late fitness test.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa is better in the centre than on the right and Emery’s preference is to play him there. Following Diego Carlos’ terrible display at Ipswich, this seems a logical move.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau, one of last year’s marquee additions, will be delighted he decided to take the plunge and move to Villa. The Spaniard fits Emery’s system like a glove.

LB - Lucas Digne

The Frenchman has played a lot of minutes early this season but won’t be rotated out for such a huge fixture. Ian Maatsen must wait for Digne to drop out of form.

RM - Leon Bailey

Bailey, when in form, is one of Villa’s biggest threats. The Jamaican notched an excellent assist on Sunday and looks back to full sharpness.

CM - Amadou Onana

Onana has settled in brilliantly and already has three goals to his name, including the cracker against Young Boys in the previous Champions League outing.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans works very well in the double pivot, especially when he’s got freedom to roam a little. He’s been one of Villa’s star men in recent weeks.

LM - Jacob Ramsey

One of Villa’s own, Ramsey is finally coming back into form following an array of injury and fitness issues. He deserves this big occasion.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers continues to lift fans off their seats with his terrific footwork and positive drive. The 22-year-old scored his first goal of the season at Portman Road.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins remains the preferred option to lead the line despite Jhon Duran’s impressive breakthrough. The England international will be desperate to get on the scoresheet against Bayern.