Aston Villa face Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich later today in an exciting UEFA Champions League match-up.
The Villains lock horns with the six-time champions, looking to build on their impressive opener. Unai Emery’s side swatted Young Boys aside in their first Champions League fixture in around four decades.
However, Villa are up against one of European football’s juggernauts. They will need to bring their A-game to claim a positive result against one of the most intimidating teams in the world.
Emery will be worried about how his backline must curtail Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, Mathys Tel and Michael Olise.
Villa’s defensive record does not inspire confidence. They have conceded nine goals in six Premier League fixtures, failing to record a clean sheet.
Villa’s defensive woes were on display against Ipswich Town as Liam Delap breached their rearguard. He bagged a brace to earn his side a point. Emery has warned that they must improve defensively.
Emery received a major defensive boost this week with right-back Matty Cash returning to training, but he is not expected to be fit for the Bayern game.
Emery tried to use Lamare Bogarde and Kosta Nedeljkovic in his absence. They both failed to convince, forcing the former Sevilla boss to turn to Ezri Konsa with Diego Carlos partnering him in central defence.
Bogarde could replace Carlos in the starting XI for the Bayern game, with Konsa moved back to centre-half. If in the starting line-up, the 20-year-old Dutchman can expect a baptism of fire against Bayern’s rapacious frontline.
Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are back in training but are not close to being match-fit. Meanwhile, Emery confirmed captain John McGinn is out for three weeks.
Despite their defensive frailties, Villa have started this campaign in fine form, recording 13 points from a possible 18 in the league. They pose a tricky threat.
Aston Villa Predicted Starting XI v Bayern
(4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins.
