Aston Villa host Zrinjski Mostar, as Unai Emery will rely on his players and the team’s domestic form to kick start their European campaign.
Unai Emery, known as the master of European competitions for his stellar record in the Europa League, failed to start his team’s European campaign in ages in style. Aston Villa travelled to Poland to face Legia Warsaw and were outclassed throughout the game ahead of the match against Zrinjski Mostar.
With the game poised at 2-2 at halftime, Legia Warsaw star Ernest Muci’s 51st-minute strike proved the winner for the home side. Aston Villa never recovered from it and call it their nerves, but they were overall poor in the contest.
"We must win tomorrow." 😤
Unai Emery previews an important night under the Villa Park lights. 💫 #UECL
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 4, 2023
However, Emery will rely on the team’s domestic form as well as on the home support to kick start their Conference League campaign and put points on board. Another disappointing result would seem damaging for Villa, as this appears like a tough group.
Unlike Aston Villa, Zrinjski Mostar made a meaningful start to their maiden European campaign. In fact, they were Bosnia’s first-ever team to feature in a UEFA competition and made good headlines for their fans to read the next day after beating AZ Alkmaar in what was a terrific night of football.
Krunoslav Rendulic’s side went three goals behind at halftime, but a stunning second-half comeback in front of their home fans was all the competition asked for. Zrinjski Mostar went on to win the clash 4-3, and they have been superb in domestic matters.
Zrinjski Mostar won their next three games after their Conference League bow, collecting nine points and moving into fourth in the Bosnian league. While they surely gave out the message to Aston Villa not to underestimate, the Bosnian side will face a massive test of character during their visit to England.
Team News & Tactics
Aston Villa
Unai Emery knows the need to get points on board, especially a win in this clash, but he may choose to shuffle his pack. Moussa Diaby and Boubacar Kamara sustained injuries at the weekend, with the pair now missing the midweek clash.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 4, 2023
Emery will have to make a late decision on the inclusion of Leon Bailey, who has overcome a thigh strain. Aston Villa have plenty of alternatives in their squad to risk the Jamaican for this clash, meaning Bertrand Traore could get a run out on the pitch.
In midfield, Kamara’s absence could open the door for Youri Tielemans to make a mark alongside Douglas Luiz. John McGinn could continue playing in that slightly advanced role behind the central pair. At the back, Clement Lenglet might start this clash, possibly in place of Pau Torres, while the rest of the backline remains the same.
Emery could keep his faith in Jhon Duran to lead the line and afford weekend hattrick hero Ollie Watkins some rest. Nicolo Zaniolo and Traore will likely complete the attacking three for Villa, as Emery will have solid players like Jacob Ramsey and Watkins to call from the bench if needed.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Traore, McGinn, Zaniolo; Duran
Zrinjski Mostar
For Zrinjski Mostar, there have been some players hitting top form, but none more than forward Tomislav Kis. The striker netted a brace at the weekend and now has three in his last two games for the club. Hence, he has a chance to lead the line in place of club captain Nemanja Bilbija.
The manager has other players to fill the wide attacking areas than choosing to squeeze in the two strikers, including the captain. Mario Ticinovic and Mario Cuze are well-placed to start wide in the front three.
At the back, Slobodan Jakovljevic and Stipe Radic could form a central defensive partnership with Josip Corluka, and Kerim Memija are likely to keep their places at full-backs. In midfield, Andrija Balic will sit at the base, with support from Antonio Ivancic and Zvonimir Kozulj on either side.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Maric; Corluka, Jakovljevic, Radic, Memija; Ivancic, Balic, Kozulj; Cuze, Kis, Ticinovic
Key Stats
- This is the first time the two teams meet in any competition.
- Zrinjski Mostar have scored 12 goals in their last four games across all competitions.
- Zrinjski Mostar came back from three goals down to beat AZ Alkmaar 4-3 in the last matchday.
- Aston Villa have maintained a flawless home record this season in all competitions.
- Ollie Watkins has scored more hattricks for Aston Villa than any other player, and he already has 2 in all competitions this season.
Player to Watch
Youri Tielemans
During the last international break, Tielemans may have come out and discussed the need for him to play regularly. Aston Villa pulled up a surprise move by signing him on a free transfer, but the Belgian is yet to start a single Premier League game.
These games, like the ones against Zrinjski Mostar, will come as a big opportunity for the midfielder to showcase his talents. More so, depending on how long Kamara will stay absent, he may have a route back into Emery’s thinking not only for the Conference League but also in the Premier League.
Prediction
Aston Villa 3-1 Zrinjski Mostar
Aston Villa may have a fantastic record on home soil, but they are still susceptible to concede goals. With Emery unlikely to change his defensive setup by much, those stars at the back may look forward to keeping a clean sheet.
However, Zrinjski Mostar came here in prolific form and could hurt Villa in more than one way. The English side are still the overwhelming favourites to take three points and get their first win on the board to kickstart their Conference League campaign.
