Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 7 May 2026 18:56, UK

Unai Emery is hoping to complete a comeback for Aston Villa as they take on Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, and his decision to start Victor Lindelof could halt that.

The Villans enter into the game 1-0 down, with Chris Wood’s first-leg goal the current difference-maker.

This competition is one of the B6 outfit’s best chances of silverware in a long time, and winning a major European honour would be a memory fans would cherish for years to come.

They simply must turn up and provide the fans with everlasting memories.

Now, with Aston Villa’s team versus Nottingham Forest emerging, one key selection sticks out more than most.

Unai Emery goes defensive with Victor Lindelof starting

Emery has made some big decisions throughout his managerial career, but at Aston Villa, he may have just made his biggest.

The Villans look to make themselves more solid, with Lindelof coming into the fray and on paper three central defenders starting.

Based on Aston Villa’s team sheet graphic, which is set up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, Lindelof looks to be deployed as a defensive midfielder.

Of course, it could actually be a three-at-the-back set-up with Matty Cash and Lucas Digne operating as wingbacks.

However, the Swede’s inclusion does not offer much hope.

In the Europa League this season, the former Manchester United defender has won just 42 per cent of his ground duels.

Additionally, across all competitions, he has barely played for the B6 outfit, making just 23 appearances.

Furthermore, with Aston Villa needing a goal, inserting another defender into the setup is not the way to go.

In an attacking sense, Lindelof has just 0.3 key passes per 90 in the Europa League, with all of his key passes resulting in no big chances created, a zero per cent conversion.

However, with a 94 per cent pass accuracy and just 3.8 possession losses per game, he is safe in possession. But we are not sure it is entirely what the Villa needs.

Fans will have to trust Unai Emery to get it right for Aston Villa

Emery is the king of Europa League comebacks, and while on the surface the decision to start Lindelof does not provide much hope, the Spaniard ultimately knows more.

Hopefully, we are proven wrong, and preparations for the trip to Istanbul can begin tonight.

If not, it will be utterly disappointing in a season that had early signs of so much promise. Villa still look like good value to qualify for the Champions League in the Premier League, which would be at least one positive to take away.

Aston Villa must start strong and get the upper hand early. A first-half goal would drastically change the outlook of the tie.