Aston Villa v FC Salzburg Pre-match

[brontebilly]

There is no "cup tied" any more, but neither would be eligible to play until the knockout stages as we have to stick to the squad we selected at the start of the League Stage until its conclusion.

In that case I think we have to use one of Elliot's spare games. Can't risk Rogers or Buendia gettinv injured in a bit of a nothing game. Cash and Onana are critical now too.

[Somniloquism]

Having to go for the win might also mean they have to open up rather then leave 10 behind the ball and hoping.

[cdbearsfan]

My guess would be that they will try to keep it tight and go for it if still level with twenty minutes left. I have never seen them play so this is the guessiest of guesses.

[olaftab]

If they win and Young Boys lose at Stuttgart, Ludogorets fail to beat Nice, Feyenoord fail to win at Betis and Basel fail to beat Plzen, they probably qualify.

None of those sound completely outlandish possibilities. Certainly, there's more than enough reason for them to at least give it a go. Even if there wasn't the prize money means makes it worthwhile trying to win, anyway.

If only Wolves had won 16 more games they would be top of the table

[TaxDodger]

I'd go;

Bizot

Garcia, Lindelof, Mings, Digne

Bogarde, Hemmings

Guessand, Buendia, Sancho

Watkins

[lovejoy]

I appreciate this wont be a popular idea and it disrespects the fans who have bought tickets but should we really risk critical midfielders for a game which at best  will dictate home/away chronology of the knockout games?
I doubt they will go strong either so hopefully our Bs can win and if not so be it. I'd have Onana, Rogers and Watkins nicely rested.

[cdbearsfan]

They will definitely go strong, why wouldn't they? I agree we shouldn't be risking more essential players than we have to. I wouldn't pick Onana.

[LeeB]

I imagine a much changed midfield at least, and Garcia starting at right back. Sir Victor of Lindeloff will give an imperious performance in defensive midfield.

[Baldy]

I'd go;

Bizot

Garcia, Lindelof, Mings, Digne

Bogarde, Hemmings

Guessand, Buendia, Sancho

Watkins

I like this but would put Guessand in place of Watkins and Elliott out on the right. Cavalry on the bench wrapped in wool.

Let's see what Guessand can do as striker and Elliott deserves a chance.

[eamonn]

George Hemmings and Rory Wilson FTW.

[Kimaster1976]

Just looking at the Salzburg squad and they have a John Mellberg playing for them, Olaf's son.

[Brazilian Villain]

Just looking at the Salzburg squad and they have a John Mellberg playing for them, Olaf's son.

It has been mentioned (by Dave).

[Chip Butty 111]

Emery will want to win this competition for the 5th time. And I imagine he'll want the home advantage in the later stages so won't put out a b team. We went strong in Istanbul, and I can see something similar here, with maybe a couple rested. If Tielemans is crocked I'd give Onana a rest for a start and would involve Jimoh Aloba

[London Villan]

A win here means its too important to go too weak.

[john e]

This is Unai’s 4th season with us and some people still don’t get him or how he works
he likes games, he likes playing football matches, he won’t go full on weak he’ll mix it up like he’s done for the last 3 seasons in European competition
then he’ll use most if not all of his subs to rotate the players playing time

He’ll do the same in the FA cup
He knows what he’s doing