Aston Villa v Bologna - Europa League Matchday 1 pre match chat

[brontebilly]

Martinez to Mings, Mings to Konza, Konza to Cash, Cash lumps the ball forward straight to the opposition. Rinse, repeat.

I can't wait.

I expect Torres to be playing in this, not that it will make much difference.

It definitely won't if he distributes the ball like he did at the PL game Brentford. He was better in the cup game to be fair. Bologna completely stood off us last season so Torres is the correct call tonight.

Is Bizot likely to play?

That aside

Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen
Kamara, Bogarde
Elliot, McGinn, Sancho
Watkins

Push McGinn forward to get a hard press on them.

[PaulWinch again]

I think Torres should play anyway, as we’re really limited in terms of high quality, incisive, passers. But without Youri it’s essential he does.

[Dave]

Is Bizot likely to play?

Is there any reason he would be?

[cdbearsfan]

Doesn't seem likely. Olsen only started Conference League games when we were effectively through, and Marschall started one when we were definitely through. Martinez started all the Conference League matches when we didn't know whether we would qualify as well as all our Champions League games.

[eamonn]

Is Bizot likely to play?

Is there any reason he would be?

Now now, it's just a question. Thursday night football may be deemed beneath Emi what with his delusions of grandeur.

[cdbearsfan]

Based on previous seasons, Martinez will only be rested if we have nothing to play for in the latter stages of the group stage or if the second leg of a potential knock-out round is rendered a non-event by a one sided first leg.