Aston Villa predicted XI v Olympiacos: Unai Emery to axe Moussa Diaby, three changes
Unai Emery could bring Jhon Duran in from the start for Aston Villa against Olympiacos as he drops Moussa Diaby to the bench in three changes.
Emery would have been left frustrated as his side conceded four at home, especially considering they came back from 2-0 down.
Travelling to Athens, the Villans know that they will have to score at least three goals to win the tie and avoid another penalty shootout.
Robin Olsen started the first leg and he was unfortunate to concede so many. With that being said, he was only able to make one save [FotMob]. Villa fans will be hopeful that Emi Martinez will return in Greece to provide them with an instant boost.
Cash came on as a winger against Brighton and didn’t rip up any trees. Against Olympiacos, he started at right back and didn’t win a single tackle. Konsa could play right back to accommodate a stronger defensive line.
Carlos could come in to replace the Poland international like he did against Brighton to protect against the opposition forwards. Last time out in the Premier League he won 100 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob] which will be needed.
On the left-hand side of defence, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne are likely to keep their places. The Spaniard missed the first leg which certainly impacted the side.
Youri Tielemans could make Aston Villa return v Olympiacos
Tielemans has been sorely missed in the heart of the Villa midfield after he was removed due to injury against Chelsea.
John McGinn and Douglas Luiz have struggled since his absence. The Brazilian misplaced four crosses and long balls [FotMob] while the captain failed to complete a dribble v Brighton [FotMob].
Morgan Rogers limped off at the Amex Stadium and is likely to miss out in the Conference League. Luckily Tielemans could come back in to replace him if he misses out.
On the right, Leon Bailey could once again take his place although he has looked a step off the pace in recent weeks. He only completed one of his four dribbles against Brighton [FotMob] which is typically his key asset.
Ollie Watkins could retake his role as Villa’s number nine but could be joined by fellow striker, Jhon Duran.
Against Olympiacos in the first leg, Diaby was poor despite his goal and assist and his physicality let him down at times. In the game at Brighton, he registered zero per cent in tackles, ground and aerial duels as Villa lost 1-0 [FotMob].
The Colombian came on and had two shots in 14 minutes as he caused issues, he could pose a point of difference in the second leg.
In other Aston Villa news, Emi Martinez news emerges from Argentina, it’s ‘massive’ for Aston Villa.
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