- Aston Villa take on SC Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul on Wednesday night
- It is their first European final in 44 years, and an opportunity to end their 30-year wait for a major trophy
- With almost everyone bar Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley available, Unai Emery has full squad to pick from
Aston Villa are on the brink of European glory. One more performance is needed to achieve the dreams of every player and supporter. Unai Emery has the biggest decision to make for his starting XI in midfield with Amadou Onana returning.
Last Friday, a weight was lifted off Villa’s shoulders. Champions League qualification was secured after a 4-2 win over Liverpool at Villa Park. It was another fine display, with the feel that the players are oozing with confidence, but not arrogance.
Every player is stepping up when needed, and the most important ones are peaking at the right time. Can they unite together and play out of their skin one more time to lift the Europa League trophy?
Easy decisions in the back four
The back four picks itself. In the games against Liverpool and in the second leg of the semi-final against Nottingham Forest, they were all outstanding.
Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres have grown into a formidable centre-back partnership, both displaying class and composure on the ball. With Freiburg’s man-to-man press, this calmness under pressure will be crucial if Villa wants to build up the pitch.
Matty Cash will operate at right-back, potentially having the license to get forward if Victor Lindelöf starts, as he will drop into a back three in possession.
Then, at left-back, Lucas Digne is the obvious option. His experience and stronger defensive ability than Ian Maatsen is why Emery has trusted him in the high-stakes games.
Lindelöf to keep his place
The midfield will be Emery’s biggest call. Amadou Onana has been in training and will likely be available for selection. However, with Lindelöf’s recent performances alongside Youri Tielemans, he has made a strong case to still be picked over Onana.
He’s offered stability, which is a key component for Emery, so you would think he wouldn’t want to disrupt that by starting Onana even if he is fully fit. The Belgian would no doubt be used as a substitute, which could be more beneficial to Villa in the latter stages of the game.
Peak-performing attack
Villa’s attack has been on fire in the last three games. Between them, they have 15 goal contributions, with nine goals and six assists. They all seem to be playing with confidence, and crucially, with intensity.
This means there is no question that Emery will pick Emi Buendía on the left, Morgan Rogers in the middle, John McGinn on the right and Ollie Watkins leading the line.
These four players’ performances tonight will be the difference between Villa ending their 30-year drought for a major trophy or heartbreak.
The stage is set. The anticipation is rising. With every Aston Villa supporter in the world behind them, can they bring it home?
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Lindelöf, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendía, Watkins
