Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Fenerbahçe: two changes: Aston Villa could make two changes to their starting XI when they host Fenerbahçe at Villa Park in the Champions League, with Unai Emery facing a growing problem at left-back.
Villa will be looking to respond after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. The result left Emery’s side 16th in the table, with just one win from their opening six league matches.
However, injuries are creating selection problems ahead of the European fixture, with both of Villa’s recognised left-backs, Matteo Ruggeri and Ian Maatsen, unavailable.
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Fenerbahçe: goalkeeper and defence
Zion Suzuki is expected to start in goal, making his second Champions League appearance for Aston Villa after featuring against Brugge earlier in the competition.
The Japanese goalkeeper conceded twice in that match and could face another demanding evening against Fenerbahçe.
Matty Cash is expected to return at right-back, while Victor Lindelöf could replace Tyrone Mings in central defence to partner Pau Torres.
With Maatsen and Ruggeri both sidelined, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to switch to the left side of the defence. He played there for 45 minutes against Brentford, making him a potential solution to Emery’s current selection problem.
Villa are expected to stick with their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation as they prepare to face the Turkish side.
Will Leon Goretzka start against Fenerbahçe?
Leon Goretzka has been named in an Aston Villa matchday squad for the first time since arriving at the club during the summer.
However, Emery is unlikely to put the Germany international straight into the starting XI. The midfielder has been recovering from a knee injury sustained in training following an extended break after the World Cup.
A substitute appearance could offer supporters their first opportunity to see the former Bundesliga title-winner in action for Villa.
João Gomes and Kamara expected to start together
João Gomes and Boubacar Kamara are expected to start alongside each other in midfield as Villa continue to cope with Amadou Onana’s extended absence.
Captain John McGinn, who scored against Brentford, is tipped to play in a more advanced role on the right.
Johan Manzambi is expected to occupy the left side of the attack, while Emi Buendía could operate as the number 10.
Nicolas Jackson is likely to lead the line as Villa look to improve their attacking output. The striker has scored three goals this season, including one against Brentford.
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Fenerbahçe
Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
- Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- Midfielders: João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara
- Attacking midfielders: John McGinn, Emi Buendía, Johan Manzambi
- Forward: Nicolas Jackson
Goretzka could feature from the bench, while Villa will need to find a solution at left-back with both Maatsen and Ruggeri unavailable.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Villa’s defensive absences make this a significant selection test for Emery. With both natural left-backs sidelined, Wan-Bissaka could once again be asked to fill in on the opposite flank, while Lindelöf may come into the starting XI.
Goretzka’s return to the matchday squad is another positive development, although a starting role appears unlikely as he continues his recovery.
The key will be whether Villa can tighten up defensively while making the most of their attacking options. After dropping points against Brentford, a strong performance against Fenerbahçe would provide an important opportunity to restore confidence.
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