Unai Emery to axe Morgan Rogers as Moussa Diaby returns – Aston Villa predicted XI v Lille
Unai Emery is expected to make two changes to his Aston Villa side ahead of their Conference League clash v Lille this Thursday (11 April).
The Brentford game was of massive frustration to Villa fans given a crazy 10 minutes which saw the match turn on its head.
Given the Villans were 2-0 up just a minute after halftime, three points should have been secured. Taking a point from the game just was not good enough in the race for the Champions League.
There were some concerns with the defensive aspect of the side following the game as the Bees scored three goals with ease.
With that in mind, one man who was left helpless was Emi Martinez. Despite conceding three, it says it all that the Argentine never made a save [FotMob]. This was thanks to the quality of chance the defence afforded the opposition to create. He will keep his place v Lille.
Although the defence was at fault last time around, it is very likely that the back line will stay almost the same. Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Pau Torres all made their own errors which led to Brentford’s goals. These afforded 1.56 xG against them despite giving up just three shots on target [FotMob]. They are set to keep their places in the starting XI in the Conference League, however.
In recent months, the choice between Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno has been one that has driven conversation. The Frenchman played 90 minutes last time out and as a result is potentially set to miss out.
Moussa Diaby may make Aston Villa starting XI return
Last time out, Moussa Diaby was dropped and featured for a limited amount of time. This is despite an overly positive performance against Manchester City. He was defensively sound with one tackle won, an interception and five recoveries [FotMob]. He could come back in against Lille.
Morgan Rogers had a positive time against Brentford as he scored his first Villa goal. He is predicted to be dropped v Lille to help Emery’s side with the defensive side. This is as he won just 43% of his duels and 0% of tackles, according to FotMob.
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn are almost certain to start with Youri Tielemans dropping into midfield to help with the defensive side. The Belgian registered an assist last time out alongside 90% pass and 100% tackle success [FotMob].
They will be added to by Leon Bailey on the wing. He had a quiet day by his standards against Brentford as he failed to register a shot on target. His form this season domestically and in Europe will see him keep his place v Lille.
Although he has missed games recently through injury, Ollie Watkins has to keep his place in Europe after two goals against the Bees. He had just 29 touches and two efforts on goal, his 100% conversion rate [FotMob] just summed up how good his season has been.
In other Aston Villa news, a journalist has raged at the “unfair” criticism he’s seen aimed at a Villa star.
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