Right then, here we go. Thursday night under the lights at Villa Park, and it’s not just another game—it’s a chance to reset, to breathe, and maybe, just maybe, to remember who we are.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Villa have been bang out of sorts. No wins in the league, bottom three, one goal scored in five matches, and Emery calling the lads “lazy” after that dire draw at Sunderland. We played against ten men for an hour and still couldn’t get it done. Two shots on target. Lowest xG in the Prem. It’s been grim.
But if there’s one man who knows how to navigate European nights, it’s Unai Emery. Four Europa League titles to his name, and last season he took us on a Champions League run that gave us memories for a lifetime—beating Bayern and PSG at home, no less. That run might’ve drained the tank, mind. We looked leggy against Palace in the FA Cup semi and folded away to United when it mattered most.
Now we’re back in Europe, but it’s the Europa League this time—and Bologna are first up. We beat them 2–0 last season in the Champions League group stage, McGinn and Duran doing the business. But they’ve kicked on since, winning the Coppa Italia and looking tidy in Serie A. Two wins, two losses so far, but both defeats came away from home and they didn’t score in either. That’s something.
Embed from Getty ImagesVilla, meanwhile, have scored just twice in six competitive games this season. Bologna aren’t exactly free-scoring either. Both sides rank near the bottom for xG in their leagues, and neither has conceded more than once in a game this season. So don’t expect fireworks—this could be cagey, tight, and nervy.
Team news? Barkley’s out, Tielemans and Onana are doubts. Cash is always good for a booking—he’s picked up two already and never shies away from a tackle. Bologna are missing a few too, including Sulemana and Immobile. De Silvestri didn’t even make their Europa squad.
So what’s the verdict? Villa need this. Badly. A win won’t fix everything, but it might just remind the lads—and the fans—what we’re capable of. Emery’s got the pedigree. Now it’s time to see if the players have the pride.
Up the Villa. Let’s make Thursday night count.