RB Leipzigvs.Aston Villa

Having ended a lengthy slump by posting back-to-back victories in the Premier League, Villa boss Unai Emery would ideally keep changes to a minimum, but Leon Bailey's hamstring injury in the weekend win over Southampton necessitates at least one switch.

Expected to spend up to three weeks on the sidelines, Bailey will make way, meaning that Jaden Philogene - his second-half replacement on Saturday - could be selected instead.

The Villans otherwise have most of their squad available, as Amadou Onana recently returned from a foot injury sustained while on Belgium duty last month, leaving Bailey's fellow hamstring victim Jacob Ramsey as the only other player missing.

In their absence, Philogene may join Morgan Rogers and captain John McGinn in the supporting cast for a solo striker - the identity of whom remains in question.

As well as scoring twice in the Champions League this season, Jhon Duran netted the winner against Southampton after making a rare league start, while first-choice frontman Ollie Watkins fluffed a series of chances when appearing from the bench.

With one eye on a trip to Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest at the weekend, Emery might also choose to rotate in defence, as regular full-backs Lucas Digne and Matty Cash could return to the starting XI in Leipzig; that would see Ezri Konsa shift into the heart of Villa's back four.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Philogene, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea