Rashford axed in three Emery changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Club Brugge
Unai Emery could make three changes to his Aston Villa side to face Club Brugge on Tuesday with Marcus Rashford potentially set to miss out.
The Villans return to Champions League action on 4 March, just four days after securing a 2-0 FA Cup win against Cardiff City.
A Marco Asensio brace proved to be the difference between the two sides as the Bluebirds managed to shut Villa out for large periods.
Some improvements could have been made, but the win stands Emery’s side in a better stead for a European clash which could see multiple changes utilised.
Rashford axed for Aston Villa v Club Brugge
After finally keeping a clean sheet last time out, Emi Martinez is highly likely to start in goal once again. The Argentine was only forced into one save but he won’t care after keeping it out [FotMob].
Ahead of the World Cup winner, two changes could be made with one being enforced as Andres Garcia isn’t registered in the Villans’ Champions League squad. This could see Lamare Bogarde shift to the right side of defence after winning 100 per cent of tackles against Cardiff.
Axel Disasi could then come in alongside Ezri Konsa with Lucas Digne also potentially set to join them and as a result Ian Maatsen could face the axe after losing three duels at Villa Park.
John McGinn and Youri Tielemans could be set to line up together once again while Asensio is bound to start ahead of them once again. The Spaniard completed one dribble while he maintained an 86 per cent pass accuracy, capping his performance off with two goals.
| Stat | Marco Asensio v Cardiff City |
| Goals | 2 |
| Completed passes | 30 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Tackles won (%) | 100 |
| Duels won | 3 |
Out wide, Emery could leave Leon Bailey in the side after his 100 per cent shot accuracy and tackle win rate against the Championship side.
On the opposite flank, Rashford could be set to drop back to the bench after completing just 22 per cent of crosses while losing 5 duels in his second Villa start. This could see Morgan Rogers come back into the side after being an 82nd minute substitute in B6.
Up front, there is little option to continue to show faith in Ollie Watkins despite him failing to score with five shots last time out. He will be hopeful of adding to his singular Champions League goal in Belgium.
Aston Villa must secure positive result v Club Brugge
It is safe to say that Villa can’t go to Brugge and play like they did in the league phase.
A bizarre Tyrone Mings handball proved to be the difference between the two sides, which almost stopped the B6 club securing a top eight finish.
It didn’t in the end and now a clash away to Brugge once again awaits Emery’s side who need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
The players should all know what a poor first-leg performance can do, showcased by the Conference League semi-final defeat against Olympiacos last year.
The amount of quality in the squad should be able to carry the Villans through in Belgium, especially if Rashford is to be utilised off the bench.