Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC XI: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Barkley, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins Three changes from Lille. McGinn back in the team for first time in two months. Mings and Barkley in. Cash just misses out

John Townley

#AVFC starting XI vs Man United: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Barkley; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins. Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Maatsen, Garcia, Torres, Bailey, Elliott, Luiz, Abraham.

Jacob Tanswell

Emery always says Man United are "good in transition". They still are better with space and playing quickly (same with #AVFC). Emery's point about "structure" also means keeping a solid base - midfield duo behind ball - while playing much safer passes, especially in first half

John Townley

Aston Villa have won only twice here in the league in their last 37 visits. In their last two trips, Villa blew a two-goal lead on Boxing Day and failed to qualify for the UCL on the final day. Things can only be better this afternoon, right?! 🤞 #AVFC

Jacob Tanswell

Villa’s biggest game of the season so far. 2 wins in 37 here has come with some hugely painful experiences - among the most acute being the defeat last May. Importance of today’s result has potential to significantly impact #AVFC, from both a league and psychological position

John Townley

Matty Cash could return for Aston Villa on Sunday, but Unai Emery says they will take a late check on his fitness. On Youri Tielemans, Emery said: "Tielemans is progressing well, but is still working individually." #AVFC

John Townley

Mateu Alemany warned Unai Emery that financial rules would hold #AVFC back when he turned down the chance to join in 2023. A piece on how Emery has fought more powerful rivals, and on his future with Guillem Balague, including Kieran Maguire's expertise. https://www.birminghammai

Jacob Tanswell

There was an acceptance internally something needed to change after Chelsea. #AVFC were, and are, still not yet there yet in solving on-the-ball issues, but Unai Emery and players got their wish for a structural reset in Lille. Piece @theathleticfc.bsky.social https://www.nytimes

AVFC The Religion

Aston Villa have added Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt to their summer transfer shortlist. The 29-year-old is set to leave the Bundesliga club as a free agent at the end of the season. @SportsPeteO #AVFC

The Athletic

Aston Villa are the only English team to have won their game in Europe this week. This evening, Nottingham Forest lost to Midtjylland, while Crystal Palace drew with AEK Larnaca. It follows six English teams in action in the Champions League, with four teams losing and two drawin