Unai Emery to make shock Ross Barkley decision – Aston Villa predicted XI v Bayern Munich
Aston Villa will be looking to make it two wins from two in the Champions League as they welcome Bayern Munich to Villa Park on Wednesday (2 October).
The Villans started their campaign in Europe’s elite competition against Young Boys with a 3-0 win in Bern last month.
Now Unai Emery is preparing his side for the return of the Champions League to B6 as they face the Bundesliga giants for the first time in 42 years.
Last time out against Ipswich Town, Villa could only register a point so they will be keen to bounce back to winning ways.
The backline was not in great form at Portman Road and even Emi Martinez made a mistake for the opening goal. Despite this, it is very likely that he will keep his place in between the sticks for the visit of Bayern.
In front of him, there could be some changes with Diego Carlos struggling last time out, although Emery may not put his trust in the likes of Lamare Bogarde or Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The Brazilian failed to win a tackle and also won just 33 per cent of his duels against the Tractor Boys [FotMob]. Villa could still start with him at the heart of the defence with Ezri Konsa on the right after a 93 per cent pass accuracy and 100 per cent aerial duel success last time out.
Pau Torres is likely to keep his place in the starting XI after winning three duels and 100 per cent of his tackles in a positive defensive showing against Ipswich.
At left-back, a change could be made with Ian Maatsen potentially coming in after such a positive experience in last season’s Champions League with Borussia Dortmund.
Ross Barkley could start for Aston Villa v Bayern Munich
In the midfield, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are likely to keep their places at the base after a combined 95 passes and 19 defensive actions at the weekend [FotMob].
Leon Bailey returned against Ipswich and had an overall positive performance as he grabbed an assist for Ollie Watkins’ header. His 100 per cent cross accuracy combined well with a 100 per cent aerial duel success to help Konsa behind him at times.
Jacob Ramsey struggled against Kieran McKenna’s side and could drop to the bench for the visit of Bayern. With a zero per cent shot accuracy, just two touches in the opposition penalty area and only five passes into the final third, fringe player Ross Barkley may come into the side in a surprise move, in a slightly different position as Emery looks to replace the output of John McGinn.
After scoring his first goal of the season and having an 84 per cent pass accuracy, Morgan Rogers could keep his place on the Villa side in the Champions League.
Watkins scored again and will be hopeful of starting ahead of Jhon Duran in search of his first goal in the competition against an elite side.
In other Aston Villa news, a ‘big boost’ has emerged amid the latest Bayern Munich injury development.
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