Tactical Change for Aston Villa: Asensio Could Replace Bailey

Aston Villa is preparing for their second leg match against Club Brugge after winning the first leg 3-1 away.

In the first game, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had less possession (44%) and fewer shots (7 to 11) than Brugge. However, they created a higher expected goals (xG) value, with 1.27 xG compared to Brugge’s 1.05 xG.

Aston Villa finished eighth in their UEFA Champions League group stage, while Club Brugge were 24th, barely advancing past Dinamo Zagreb with 11 points, the same as Sporting and Manchester City.

With a two-goal advantage, Emery’s team selection for the second leg could be influenced by the lead and potential injury concerns.

Aston Villa Team News for Brugge Match

Emery received positive news as Amadou Onana is nearing his return after being sidelined since early February due to a hamstring injury.

Emiliano Martínez and Marco Asensio are also available for the second leg against Club Brugge.

However, Ross Barkley remains injured, and Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen are not eligible for European games due to squad registration issues.

With several key players returning, Emery has options, including deploying a dynamic wing partnership to enhance both attack and ball control.

Emery’s Attacking Strategy Against Brugge

Emery typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, which can transform into a 3-2-5 in possession, a tactic used by many top teams.

This system often involves one full-back pushing high, allowing a winger to move centrally, becoming a second attacking midfielder alongside Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa can achieve this structure in different ways. One way is with Lucas Digne providing width on the left and Jacob Ramsey cutting inside from the left wing.

Alternatively, with January signing Marco Asensio, they can flip this approach, using Matty Cash for width on the right and Asensio drifting infield from the right wing.

The stats highlight Asensio’s strengths in passing and creativity, such as key passes and progressive passes, while Rashford is more effective in direct actions like take-ons.

Teammate Cash described Asensio as a “mentality monster” after his impactful substitute appearance against Club Brugge.

In that match, Asensio played for 26 minutes, scored a penalty, had two shots on target, and completed all his passes (8/8).

Emery might choose to start Asensio over Leon Bailey for this second leg to ensure more ball security and possession, aiming to control the game with their two-goal lead.