Why Emi Martinez isn't in Aston Villa squad to face Bologna in Europa League
The truth behind Emiliano Martinez’s absence for Aston Villa vs Bologna.
Emiliano Martinez has not been included in Aston Villa’s matchday squad for the UEFA Europa League opener against Bologna tonight.
Birmingham World understands the World Cup winner misses out through injury. Martinez has yet to play at Villa Park since the end of the summer transfer window, when he controversially attempted to leave the club for Manchester United.
Marco Bizot starts in goal against Bologna, with fellow shot-stoppers Sam Proctor and Rhys Oakley named as substitutes. Bizot has had a mixed start to his Villa career; the Dutchman was brilliant on his debut against Newcastle United in the Premier League but really struggled on his second appearance, the 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa lineup vs Bologna
As well as Martinez’s absence, there are several other surprises in the lineup this evening. Ollie Watkins has been dropped to the bench in favour of Donyell Malen, who makes a rare start in attack. Evann Guessand keeps his place out on the flank, while Emiliano Buendia is expected to line up just in behind Malen.
Pau Torres reclaims his place at left centre-back instead of Tyrone Mings, who has arguably been Villa’s best defender so far this season. Ian Maatsen is favoured to Lucas Digne, while Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa complete the back four. Boubacar Kamara starts alongside John McGinn in the midfield double pivot. Morgan Rogers retains his spot, likely on the left.
Villa XI vs Bologna: Bizot (GK); Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Kamara, McGinn, Rogers, Guessand; Buendia, Malen.
Villa subs vs Bologna: Proctor (GK), Oakley (GK), Lindelof, Mings, Elliott, Watkins, Digne, Garcia, Sancho, Bogarde, Burrowes.