Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 14 April 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa are back in Europa League action on Thursday, as they welcome Bologna to Villa Park for the second leg of their quarter-final tie.

It was not the perfect return to Premier League life on Sunday for the Villans, who dropped points on their travels against Nottingham Forest.

An own-goal from Murillo would open the scoring at the City Ground, before Neco Williams equalised stunningly for the hosts in a 1-1 draw.

Though, Unai Emery’s side remain well-placed to go on and secure a Champions League spot, with a seven-point gap back to Chelsea in sixth.

In Europe, the B6 outfit secured a fantastic 3-1 victory in Bologna on Thursday, and are firm favourites to secure their semi-final spot back on home soil for the second leg.

Out-of-form winger to get chance as Aston Villa host Bologna

It was not the prettiest, as has been the case for Villa in Europe this season, but an efficient performance in Emilia-Romagna saw a 3-1 lead brought back to the Midlands for the second leg.

Goals from Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins would seal the deal on the night, setting up Emery’s side for what should be a relatively simple path to the semi-finals.

While the Spaniard will want to remain consistent with his selection, the lead does provide a margin to slightly rotate the side.

With this in mind, out-of-form winger Leon Bailey could be given the chance from the off, as the Jamaican looks to rebuild form ahead of the season’s crunch point.

After an unsuccessful loan spell with Roma, Bailey would make his return to Villa in January, where he has failed to score across nine Premier League appearances.

He has racked up one assist in the league, but his overall impact has been far from what Emery has needed as his side look to confirm a top-five spot.

With just four successful dribbles, four successful crosses, a 77.4 per cent pass completion rate and a low tally of six shots, the wideman is in desperate need of form – the upcoming European tie could be a good opportunity to work towards finding it.

Emi Buendia could once again get the chance to start in Europe, having impressed in Thursday’s first leg, while Emery may choose to rest Morgan Rogers ahead of the Sunderland clash on Sunday, with Champions League qualification close.

The attacking midfielder has started all 32 Premier League matches this season, while he racked up 88 minutes in Bologna last week, which could tempt his boss into a change heading into Thursday.

The only decision imposed on Emery could concern Marco Bizot, who could continue to deputise for Emi Martinez between the sticks after the Argentine pulled up during the warm-up against Nottingham Forest.

Though care does have to be taken with rotation, the 3-1 scoreline can be a banana skin if not managed correctly.

Unai Emery’s European experience to carry Aston Villa over the line

Across the continent, there aren’t many of Emery’s colleagues who can boast a European record anywhere near that of the Spaniard.

Lifting the Europa League four times during spells with Sevilla and Villarreal, the 54-year-old has won the competition more times than anyone else.

His record in the Champions League also speaks volumes, having guided Villarreal to the semi-finals in 2022, beating favourites Bayern Munich on the way.

The simple fact of the matter is that he has been here before and will know exactly how to manage the upcoming second leg.

The Villans carry the lead going into the second leg, and will be considered firm favourites not just as a result of this, but due to the man who is in the dugout.

Alongside this, the B6 outfit will be considered the side best-placed to go on and win the competition, adding the silverware that could transform the club.