The Europa League final showdown in Istanbul, Freiburg v Aston Villa, is set to be a historic clash of each club considering their lack of silverware in the past few years.
Aston Villa are heading to Istanbul with a more focused mind as they have secured one spot in the Champions League last Friday. Aston Villa achieved a 4-2 victory over their direct rival, the reigning Premier League champion Liverpool. Now one last mission needs to be accomplished to end their title drought in 30 years.
Their opposition, Freiburg, is even on their own title chase to win their first ever notable silverware in the main competition in the club’s history. Being underrated in the final could give them an advantage, something which Villa must be aware of.
The Lions, with Europa League specialist Unai Emery in the dugout, have been undoubtedly tipped as the favourite, even as a winner. They must not get carried away since they have not won it yet. It can be a distraction. John McGinn and Co. are expected to deal with it.
The Aston Villa boss, however, sees it differently ahead of this final match. He shared his view recently, as reported on the club’s official site, avfc.co.uk.
“Playing one final is the consequence (of) how we are progressively getting better. Being demanding in our way in Europe is something (that) makes us so proud, and of course, (gives) us as well the responsibility now to try to bring home this trophy.”
“For me, it’s a huge responsibility to play in a final with Aston Villa, because I know how difficult it is to get a trophy, how difficult it is to play one final. “
Emery’s men are still without Boubacar Kamara. There is still doubt on Amadou Onana’s availability too, despite the rumor of his recovery. Ross Barkley has been excluded from the continental squad. That means Victor Lindelof is expected to get a nod in the line up again. Lamar Bogarde and Douglas Luiz could be prepared to be his backup as the Sweden international was taken off in the second half while cruising in 4-2 victory over The Reds.
The expected starting XI should be exactly the same as the regular winning team. Emi Martinez between the sticks, then Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres at the backline, Matty Cash and Lucas Digne on both flanks. Then Tielemans with Lindelof as the double pivot while Emi Buendia and John McGinn are playing wide. Morgan Rogers playing as the number 10 will be supporting Ollie Watkins who leads the line.
Emery’s men really need to pay close attention to several key figures in Freiburg, who could potentially change the game. The likes of the World Cup winner Mathias Ginter, who leads the defence, the goalkeeper Noah Atubolu who excels at crucial saves, the young midfielder, Johan Manzambi who is versatile in almost all positions on the second line, and last but not least the senior star Vicenzo Grifo whose set-pieces could bring real threat to Villa’s backline.
The Freiburg v Aston Villa duel will be available on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate as well as live streaming. The fans can also enjoy this game on HBO Max.
The post Freiburg v Aston Villa: Team News, predicted line up, match preview appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
