Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

Both #AVFC full-backs could miss a potential semi-final if they get booked tonight. An issue for Matty Cash, possibly, after Jonathan Rowe's performance last week but also Lucas Digne, who plays a third game inside seven days ahead of Ian Maatsen. Seems to have edged ahead again.

John Townley

Unai Emery has named the same #AVFC starting XI that played against Bologna in Italy last week. Emi Martinez is fit enough to return to the team, while Jadon Sancho is named on the bench.…

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins Three changes from Forest but same XI as first leg. Konsa returns. Buendia and Martinez back in. Emery sticks with strongest midfield axis in Onana & Tielemans for third straight game

Jacob Tanswell

Last week, #AVFC identified corners as a way to exploit Bologna, which they felt they were weak from. Two goals later, Villa were right. In open play, Villa should be sharper than in the 1st half and therefore have opportunities to cut through a team who leave space centrally

Jacob Tanswell

#AVFC can make it nine straight wins in Europe tonight. But Emery, typically, says he must "kick out any sign of complacency." "It won't be a walk in the park. The result we achieved in Italy, as good as it can be seen, is not enough. We must play hard for the semi-finals."

John Townley

Vincenzo Italiano: "There's a gap between us - the first game finished 3-1. I don’t know why, but it did. You need to be clinical, and if you play well, you can pull off a sporting miracle. If we all play like John [Rowe] did last week, then we can put them in trouble." #AVFC

John Townley

Jonathan Rowe: "I know a couple of the [Villa] boys, but they haven't told me what their starting team will be tomorrow! Regardless, their whole squad is strong. We know we're in a fight. The atmosphere will be crazy. We have to come with our A game and see what happens." #AVFC

John Townley

Youri Tielemans: "It is massively important, our supporters. In our home, we know how strong we can be - it's mainly due to them. They push us over the line and to have them behind us and listening to that noise, it's special. As players, we don't take it for granted." #AVFC

John Townley

Youri Tielemans: "You play to win it. That's my mentality and the mentality for many other players in the squad. You just have to make sure that you play the game as good as you can and not think about the end moment, because that's where you can get carried away." #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery insists he will play his "best players" tomorrow night, ignoring the risk of suspensions ahead of a potential Europa League semi-final first leg. #AVFC https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/unai-emery-gives-emphatic-response-33776102