Zaniolo, Duran And Diaby To Start | 4-4-1-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Zrinjski Mostar | OneFootball

Aston Villa will face off against Zrinjski Mostar at Stadion Pod Bijelim Brijegom this Thursday evening as they try to secure a good result on their travels in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Villans managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal recently which should give them a ton of confidence ahead of this game.

Unai Emery will set his men up in a 4-4-1-1 formation and is expected to make a handful of changes to his first XI for this clash. Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby would all get a chance to play from the start of this European game.

4-4-1-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Zrinjski Mostar

Defence

Emiliano Martinez will function in between the sticks for the Midlands club after securing a clean sheet in his last appearance. Ezri Konsa will play alongside Clement Lenglet at the centre of the Aston Villa defence as they look to keep the opposition attackers frustrated during the 90 minutes.

Matty Cash will fill in as the right-back while Lucas Digne hopes to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will get the freedom to express themselves in the opponent’s half.

Pau Torres will be available for selection on the bench as he provides cover for the centre-back positions.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: John McGinn of Aston Villa celebrates scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on December 09, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Midfield

Douglas Luiz and Leander Dendoncker will anchor the midfield for the Villans as they look to win the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park. Both of them would need to retain possession well if they want to create some decent chances for their teammates in the final third.

Nicolo Zaniolo could get a chance to impress on the right flank while Jacob Ramsey hopes to give a good account of himself as the left-winger. Emery would instruct both of them to stretch the opponent’s defence at every chance they get.

Moussa Diaby will function as the free-flowing, attacking midfielder as he tries to put his pace to good use in the final third.

Boubacar Kamara and Leon Bailey will be named on the bench as they wait for their chance to influence the game in the second half if needed.

Attack

Jhon Duran will spearhead Emery’s attack up top. He would be eager to catch the eye in this Europa Conference League game.

Ollie Watkins will have to be content with a place on the bench.