Aston Villa travel to France to face AS Monaco in the Champions League group phase on Tuesday evening, hoping to consolidate their position in the automatic qualification spots.
The Villans have enjoyed a bright start to 2025, winning seven out of their last 11 fixtures in all competitions. They have put in several fine performances in the Champions League this season, including impressive wins over Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, as well as a goalless stalemate with Juventus.
Unai Emery’s men came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, which should give them a lot of confidence heading into the European tie with AS Monaco.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa suffered an injury blow last weekend when Amadou Onana suffered a hamstring injury and had to be taken off against Arsenal. The Belgian is set to miss the trip to France.
Unai Emery is already without midfielders John McGinn and Ross Barkley due to injury. McGinn has returned to training on the grass, but was not fit to face Arsenal, while Barkley is nursing a calf issue. To add to Emery’s frustrations, Diego Carlos is suspended.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs AS Monaco (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez was in inspired form against his former employers Arsenal on Saturday, making a couple of key saves to help his team earn a point. He is set to start in goal again for the Villans.
Defence
In front of Martinez, Emery could make one change to his backline from the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. Ian Maatsen struggled to cope with Gabriel Martinelli and was substituted at half time for Lucas Digne, who put in a delicious cross for Youri Tielemans’ goal.
Digne’s experience and recent display at the Emirates Stadium should see him start at left-back on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings should pick themselves up for the vacant spots in Villa’s defence.
Midfield
Villa’s midfield unit is enduring an injury crisis, with Onana the latest casualty. This could see Youri Tielemans drop to a deeper role, partnering Boubacar Kamara in the engine room. The duo will try to keep things simple and make incisive passes during counter-attacks.
Undoubtedly the club’s best player this season, Morgan Rogers will be hoping to enjoy a productive night in France. If he performs to the best of his ability, Emery’s side should have a great chance of winning the game.
Attack
Jacob Ramsey should operate out wide on the left, trying to influence the game with his crisp passing, vision and movement. Leon Bailey should be fresh to start here after coming on a second-half substitute against the Gunners, with Ollie Watkins expected to get the nod ahead of Jhon Duran to lead the Villa attack again after scoring on Saturday.
