Aston Villa: Leon Bailey to play key role stopping Juan Miranda after Bologna heroics
Aston Villa could give Leon Bailey a specific job in the upcoming Bologna clash on Thursday.
The Jamaican international has been pretty terrible since his return to Villa Park from Roma in the January transfer window.
He hasn’t had the desired impact and has found himself playing second fiddle to Jadon Sancho in recent weeks.
That could change after the Englishman picked up a shoulder injury in the Elche friendly and could leave Unai Emery with no choice in the Europa League.
Bailey could well start against Bologna in Italy, but will have to keep tabs on the progress of Juan Miranda as he continues to catch the eye in Serie A.
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Juan Miranda showcased attacking prowess vs Cremonese
The Villans may have been waiting for a return to competitive action, but the Red and Blues have already featured after the international break.
Marco Giampaolo’s side secured a 2-0 victory against Cremonese on Sunday to get back on the winning trail ahead of the Europa League quarter-final.
| Stat | Cremonese | Bologna |
| Possession (%) | 37 | 63 |
| Shots | 9 | 14 |
| Big chances | 2 | 2 |
| Corners | 2 | 4 |
Joao Mario and Jonathan Rowe were both on the scoresheet as their actions sealed all three points at Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Both were assisted by left-back Miranda, with the opener coming off the back of a deep cross, while the second was converted from a pinpoint cut-back.
The Spaniard showed his quality by setting up two strikes, but was also excellent throughout the clash against Cremonese.
Those account for two of his four attempted chances as he also clocked up five defensive actions and four duel wins.
Villa are now preparing to face Bologna and will be relying on Bailey to keep Miranda quiet down the left-hand flank.
Leon Bailey must thrive defensively for Aston Villa vs Bologna
With Sancho likely to be out injured on Thursday, Bailey is bound to come into the starting XI.
He last featured for Villa for 23 minutes against West Ham, but struggled to make a real impact at Villa Park.
The 28-year-old still managed to win two duels, albeit with a 29 per cent success rate, and contributed three defensive actions in the 2-0 win.
That will need to take a step up if he is to feature in the Europa League, up against Miranda, and his desire to drive forward down the left.
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