Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Wed 18 March 2026 19:10, UK

Lamare Bogarde is deserving of another Aston Villa start ahead of the Lille clash on Thursday.

The Villans are preparing to welcome the French outfit back to Villa Park for the second leg of the Europa League round of 16.

Unai Emery’s side hold a 1-0 aggregate lead after Ollie Watkins found the net with a terrific header in last week’s meeting at the Decathlon Arena.

The Englishman could have had more on the continent, but it was a stern defensive display that helped secure a much-needed win.

Bogarde played a key role as Villa secured victory away to Lille and should be in line to start the return leg, even if Matty Cash returns from injury.

Lamare Bogarde was superb vs Lille

The 22-year-old has become the utility man of Emery’s squad in recent months after showing his qualities across multiple positions against varying levels of opposition.

Bogarde was arguably the man of the match away to Tottenham in the FA Cup in January, where he played in a midfield two.

He has since picked up positive reviews after featuring as a right-back in the absence of Cash through injury in the past few weeks.

One of his best showings in the backline came away to Lille last week, with his 90-minute showing consisting of several star moments.

The Bodymoor Heath academy product racked up 52 touches and an 89 per cent pass accuracy while also completing each of his two attempted long balls.

His defensive ventures were the best element of his performance as he chipped in with two tackles, two clearances and one interception at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

He also won five duels and was fouled twice as the French side struggled to get past him on the night.

Villa secured their 1-0 win against Lille, with Bogarde partly to thank, so it would make sense to start him in the B6 second leg.

Matty Cash could soon return for Aston Villa

Cash has arguably been the Villans’ most consistent player this season and has represented a blow to be without recently.

His calf injury has ruled him out since early March after he was forced off against Chelsea when the half-time whistle was blown.

He has since missed clashes against Lille and Manchester United, but it is unclear right now whether he can feature in the second leg on Thursday.

It appears that he has trained in full ahead of the Villa Park outing, but starting on the bench may prove to be a better option for everyone involved.

Bogarde deserves to feature from the start again, while the Poland international may be better off coming on and picking up minutes as a substitute.