Aston Villa are set to welcome Norwegian champions, Viking FK Stavanger at Villa Park on Wednesday night.
The European night is back for the Villans as they play the third games in the Champions league this season. It is also the last one before they face off the European elite, Barcelona and PSG next month.
There has been a concern on the possibility of having other empty seats in this game, like the Fenerbahce match, due to being considered as less attractive game to watch. Hopefully the tickets can be sold out on the last minute considering the potential surprising form from the Norwegian side.
Vila have picked up positive results since a win in the EFL League Cup over Coventry City. Emery’s new team began to do well afterwards. Rebuilding is going in the right direction.
However, John McGinn and Co could not underestimate their opposition. Viking FK. The Norwegian side was the champions in the top tier League, toppling Bodo/Glimt, the team which stunned the fans in the Champions League last season. Viking were able to hold Bayern Munich in a 3-3 draw last week. They are currently sitting second in Norway top flight sharing the same points as Bodoe/Glimt.
This duel between Villa and Viking FK would be their maiden encounter in Europe. They are in fact only the second Norwegian team to face off in the continental competition.
The Lions will have something to worry about in the left back position following the injury of Aaron Wan Bissaka, who had been tipped to cover Ian Maatsen’s and Matteo Ruggeri’s absence. Some other names who will be unavailable are George Hemmings,Modou Cisse, and Johan Manzambi. Amadou Onana will still be ruled out too due to his long term injury.
Therefore, Unai Emery would consider rotating the squad. Suzuki is still number one at the goal. Pau Torres and Victor Lindelof would be at the backline while Tyrone Mings will be deployed as left back, the position he used to play during his stint in Ipswich and Bournemouth. Lamare Bogarde could be getting a nod on the right flank to give Matty Cash some rest.
In the midfield, Kamara could be rested while Joao Gomes will be accompanied by Leon Goretzka as the double pivot. On the attacking side, Emi Buendia will be taking the number 10 role while Alysson Edward and Ibrahim Mbaye will be operating wide on both flanks. Brian Madjo could be given a chance to play as a starter here to rest Nicolas Jackson.
Emery needs to do this as they have a tough game on the weekend. They are taking on the league leader Manchester City.
The clash between Villa and Viking will be available on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate as well as live streaming. The fans can also enjoy this match on discovery+ app.
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