Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Fri 17 April 2026 16:10, UK

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they welcome Sunderland to Villa Park.

The Villans secured their spot in the Europa League semi-finals in stunning fashion on Thursday, with a 4-0 rout against Bologna, a week after bringing a 3-1 lead back from Emilia-Romagna.

Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa all netted on a night in which Unai Emery’s side simply had too much for the Rossoblu.

With a semi-final now set up against Nottingham Forest, the B6 outfit return to action in the league, as they remain in the hunt for a Champions League place.

Back to form after a poor run before the international break, Villa are looking to keep the momentum as they face newly-promoted Sunderland, who have taken to Premier League life seamlessly.

Leon Bailey handed one final Villa chance as Unai Emery rotates

Given the lead carried over from the first leg, Emery went surprisingly strong with his selection on Thursday.

This would play a huge role in the scoreline on the evening, with the gulf in quality highlighted when the hosts raced into a 3-0 lead after just 39 minutes.

Heading into the weekend, though, rotation may be on Emery’s mind after remaining consistent in his team selection since the return from the extended break.

Emi Buendia could make way for Leon Bailey, who may be handed one final chance to impress in claret and blue.

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

He has laid on one assist in the league, though his general impact has been far from what Emery has needed as his side look to confirm a spot in the top five.

Bailey has registered just four successful dribbles, four crosses, a 77.4 per cent pass completion rate and an extremely poor tally of just six shots.

With Emery needing his squad fit and firing ahead of the run-in, the Spaniard may just be looking to play the wideman into form.

Alongside this, Victor Lindelof could come in at centre-back after impressing in recent appearances, with only talismanic attacker Rogers playing more minutes than the 2,676 racked up by Ezri Konsa in the league this term.

Completing the three changes, left-back Ian Maatsen could replace Lucas Digne, providing assistance for Bailey out on the flank.

Aston Villa to continue momentum with presentable home fixture

Heading into Sunday’s clash, Villa will be feeling incredibly confident after the Bologna rout.

They welcome a Sunderland side who have adapted perfectly to top-flight life, with Regis Le Bris’ side sitting 10th in the standings, just a point away from the European spots.

Though the Black Cats have proven vulnerable away from home, with just four of their 12 league wins coming on the road.

Given the away record for the Wearside outfit, Emery’s side go into the weekend as firm favourites to take all three points.

With their Champions League push back on after a poor run before the break, they could be set to keep up the momentum once again on Sunday, with a seven-point lead over Chelsea as things stand.