Moussa Diaby changes role as Unai Emery recalls ‘European hero’ - Aston Villa predicted XI vs AZ Alkmaar - gallery
Charlie Haffenden
·2-min read
Emery is bound to give the goalkeeper an instant opportunity to make amends for the huge mistake he made at Nottingham Forest.
Aston Villa return to home soil on Thursday evening as they play host to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Unai Emery’s side can take a huge leap towards qualification for the knockout rounds with a victory but a defeat will let opponents AZ back into the fray.
It was a painful 2-0 loss at Nottingham Forest last time out as Villa weren’t able to mount a comeback after early goals in each half. Plenty of chances were created in the latter stages but the men in claret and blue just couldn’t seem to find the net as shots were repeatedly blasted well over the crossbar.
Returning to Villa Park should help Emery’s team bounce back, however, as the stadium has become a fortress under the Spanish head coach. Confidence will also be taken from the last meeting with AZ, as Villa ran out comprehensive 4-1 victors over in Alkmaar. Here’s our predicted lineup for Thursday’s return clash.
Steps into the right-back role to give Matty Cash a rest. Konsa has done well at full-back when called upon this season.
Returns to the starting XI for the first time since the return leg against AZ in the Netherlands. Most of Carlos’ minutes are expected to come in Europe this term.
Settling into English football brilliantly, Pau continues to occupy the left centre-back role as the only fit left-footed centre-back.
The Frenchman is likely to stay in the side as Alex Moreno is back but is likely lacking full match sharpness still. The two may switch in the second half.
On the fringes of the XI most weeks, Bailey already has three Europa Conference League goals to his name this campaign and will be eager to add to that tally.
The king of the midfield at Villa Park, Luiz so often stars on home soil and he’ll be hoping to do so yet again.
In mixed form at the moment but is without doubt the best partner for Luiz in the centre of the park.
This is a decent chance, perhaps, for Emery to experiment with Diaby out wide rather than through the centre. It also allows super John McGinn to have a much-needed rest.
Yes, the European hero we speak of, Tielemans did an extraordinary job playing just in behind Watkins in the reverse tie as he scored and put in an all-round terrific shift.
Drew a blank against Luton and Nottingham Forest but is keen to play in every game this season. We’re fully expecting the goals to get back flowing soon enough.
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