Unai Emery axes John McGinn in two changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Club Brugge
Unai Emery could axe John McGinn from the Aston Villa starting XI for the trip to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Villans will be keen to maintain their 100 per cent record in Europe’s elite competition after winning all three league phase games without conceding a goal.
Emery’s side travel to Jan Breydelstadion in Belgium on 6 November, coming off the back of a terrible performance in a 4-1 defeat against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday (3 November).
The Spaniard may look to maintain a similar-looking side to the one that was used in North London after making ten changes last time out.
With that being said, Emi Martinez is likely to keep his place in the starting XI despite conceding four while making just one save [FotMob].
The backline didn’t have the best day against Spurs but there is a chance that only one change is made, with Ian Maatsen potentially set to replace Lucas Digne. Despite a shoddy performance with one error leading to a goal, Pau Torres could keep his place alongside Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash at the back.
Unai Emery could axe John McGinn for Aston Villa v Club Brugge
There is a decision to be made in the midfield after another poor performance last time out. McGinn really struggled to impose himself against Tottenham, maintaining a dribble success of just 33 per cent and also losing seven duels [FotMob]. Leon Bailey could be handed the chance from the start in place of the Villa skipper.
The rest of the midfield could stay the same, meaning Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana would keep their places, with Jacob Ramsey out wide after a positive showing in the capital. The Englishman kept up an 88 per cent pass accuracy and completed three dribbles as he looked to be back to his best.
Morgan Rogers could keep his spot in the side after a goal and a generally positive performance against Tottenham with two dribbles completed in a characteristically industrious showing.
Emery then has a decision to make between Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran but he is likely to maintain faith in the England international, despite a quiet day last time out.
Duran came on but failed to make an impact as he had just eight touches in over 20 minutes. It will be interesting to see who gets the nod in Brugge.
In other Aston Villa news, Arsenal have been told to sign one star from Villa after what Patrick Vieira has noticed.
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