Aston Villa faces Maccabi Tel Aviv in a key Europa League match at Villa Park on November 6, 2025, aiming to boost their group stage position after a mixed start. With injuries hitting the squad hard, manager Unai Emery must make smart changes to secure a vital win and keep their European hopes alive.
Injury Concerns Hit Villa Hard
Aston Villa heads into this Europa League fixture with several players sidelined, which could force Emery to rotate his team. Key defender Tyrone Mings is out with a hamstring issue from the recent Premier League loss to Liverpool, and he might not return until early next year. Midfielder Youri Tielemans is nursing a calf problem, while Emiliano Buendia deals with a foot injury that has kept him out for weeks.
Other absences include Andres Garcia with an unspecified knock and Ross Barkley, who is ineligible for this competition. These setbacks come at a tough time, as Villa looks to recover from a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, where mistakes highlighted defensive frailties. Emery has stressed the need for focus, noting in a press conference that the team must adapt quickly to maintain their push in both domestic and European fronts.
The injury list adds pressure, especially with Villa’s recent form showing vulnerabilities. They have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, making this home game against Maccabi a must-win to climb the Europa League table.
Predicted Starting Eleven Revealed
Experts and reports suggest Emery will tweak the lineup to balance rest and strength. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to start despite his error against Liverpool, as his experience is crucial in big games. In defense, Victor Lindelof could slot in at center back or right back, potentially replacing Matty Cash or Ezri Konsa.
Pau Torres is expected to anchor the backline alongside Lindelof, with Ian Maatsen possibly coming in at left back for Lucas Digne. Midfield might see Lamare Bogarde partnering Amadou Onana or Boubacar Kamara in a deeper role to provide stability.
Up front, Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen are pushing for starts on the wings, which could see Evann Guessand and John McGinn drop to the bench. Morgan Rogers might shift to a central attacking spot, supporting striker Ollie Watkins, who has struggled with just one goal in 14 outings this season.
Here is a predicted starting lineup in a simple table format for clarity:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martinez |
| Right Back | Matty Cash |
| Center Back | Victor Lindelof |
| Center Back | Pau Torres |
| Left Back | Ian Maatsen |
| Defensive Mid | Amadou Onana |
| Defensive Mid | Lamare Bogarde |
| Right Wing | Jadon Sancho |
| Attacking Mid | Harvey Elliott |
| Left Wing | Donyell Malen |
| Striker | Ollie Watkins |
This setup aims to blend youth and experience, with Elliott eligible again after missing the Liverpool clash.
Villa’s bench could include options like Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, John McGinn, and others ready to impact the game if needed. Predictions from various outlets point to a 2-0 Villa win, but Maccabi’s resilience in away ties adds uncertainty.
Key Players to Watch in the Match
Ollie Watkins remains a focal point despite his goal drought, as his movement and hold-up play are vital for Villa’s attack. If he breaks through in the Europa League, it could spark a turnaround for the team, which sits mid-table in the group after three matches.
Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, has shown flashes of brilliance and might exploit Maccabi’s defense with his dribbling skills. His potential start could be a game-changer, especially after limited minutes recently.
On the Maccabi side, watch for their forward line, which has scored in most group games despite no wins yet. Villa must contain threats like Dor Peretz to avoid surprises.
Recent trends show Villa strong at home in Europe, winning their last two Villa Park fixtures without conceding. However, Maccabi’s draw against Braga earlier this season proves they can compete.
Tactical Insights and Match Importance
Emery is known for his tactical flexibility, and he might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation to control possession against Maccabi’s counter-attacking style. This approach worked in their earlier Europa League win over Young Boys, where they dominated midfield battles.
The match holds big stakes for Villa, who need points to secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the knockout rounds. A loss could drop them into the playoff spots, complicating their schedule amid a busy Premier League campaign.
Maccabi, winless in the group, aims to upset the odds in Birmingham. Over 700 police officers will be on duty due to the fixture’s sensitivity, ensuring safety amid global tensions.
Fans should expect rotations, but Villa’s depth could shine through. Logical reasoning suggests Emery will prioritize energy in midfield to counter Maccabi’s pace.
Broader Context in Villa’s Season
This game fits into Aston Villa’s challenging 2025-26 season, marked by highs like a top-four push last year and lows from current inconsistencies. Their Europa League run echoes past successes under Emery, who led them to the conference league title in 2023.
Comparisons to recent events, such as their draw with Bologna, show improvement needed in finishing. Watkins’ form mirrors struggles seen in other English strikers this year, like those at Arsenal or Chelsea.
Overall, a strong performance here could build momentum heading into domestic clashes, including a tough test against Manchester City later in November.
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