Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

Villa Park singing about the Champions League. Almost there. Six goals in nine games for Ollie Watkins - those close to him believe he can and will hit 20 goals for the season. Goal 101 at #AVFC: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7198351/2026/04/17/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-100-go

John Townley

GOAL: OLLLIEEEE WATKINSSSS! What a start at Villa Park! John McGinn hooks the ball to the back post, where Watkins was waiting to head in. #AVFC 1-0 Sunderland

Jacob Tanswell

Inside two minutes, #AVFC are 1-0 up. A move that encapsulates this Villa - Rogers drifts infield, receives on half turn and plays central. Watkins, Barkley, Tielemans, Onana combine for short passes before McGinn reaches the byline from Cash's pass for Watkins to head in. 1-0

Jacob Tanswell

Barkley, in his 300th PL game, starts in the no 10. McGinn on the right, Rogers left. Maatsen and Rogers always an exciting combination. Rogers will want to drag O'Nien out from CB. "Time to renew our membership for the Champions League," the stadium announcer echoes. #AVFC

John Townley

We're underway at Villa Park... #AVFC 0-0 Sunderland

John Townley

Nassef Sawiris is in attendance at Villa Park this afternoon. #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Pau Torres misses out due to Unai Emery wanting to rotate. Similar situation to Victor Lindelof being omitted from the squad a few weeks ago. #AVFC

John Townley

Sunderland starting XI vs #AVFC: Roefs; O'Nien, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava; Sadiki, Xhaka; Rigg, Diarra, Le Fee; Brobbey. Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, Ballard, Geertruida, Talbi, Mayenda, Isidor, Hume, Jones.

Jacob Tanswell

Emery believes Ross Barkley's experience & ability to follow a plan is key at this stage of the season. Barkley: "He does (see me as a No 6), but because of the way I train, it's hard for him to ignore - I like to take players on in training and score goals. He sees that." #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery makes three changes from midweek as Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley come into Aston Villa's starting XI to face Sunderland. There's no Pau Torres, Andres Garcia, Harvey Elliott, or Alysson in the machday squad. #AVFC https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/fo