It has not been a simple season for Ollie Watkins however he’s on the verge of turning into the primary Aston Villa participant of the fashionable period to affix the 100 membership.
Right here have been objectives quantity 98 and 99 in all competitions for the England ahead and an ideal response to his latest exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
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There has all the time been a idea that Watkins is rarely extra harmful than when he’s preventing in opposition to a perceived injustice.
Whether or not it’s shedding his place below Unai Emery, or being omitted of Tuchel’s England squad final month, Watkins continuously appears to provide after experiencing setbacks.
Time is operating out for the £33m striker to e book his place on the World Cup, however he’s arguably the most effective deputy for Harry Kane. Cementing his place in Villa historical past will unquestionably help him in his mission.
“I’m excited for the subsequent few video games and I’m hungry,” stated Watkins. “It’s the again finish of the season and I’m raring to go.
“We’re in a terrific spot on the finish of the season and it’s all to play for. Taking a two-goal lead again to Villa Park makes it powerful for them.”
Villa have been removed from electrical right here in Bologna however no person will care how they obtain it if Emery ends the membership’s lengthy watch for a trophy.
Emery is concentrating on trophy quantity 5 of his profession as a supervisor within the Europa League, after earlier wins with Sevilla (3 times) and Villarreal.
To place his formidable file on this competitors into context, Emery has misplaced simply as soon as within the final 25 matches. It’s a outstanding run of outcomes, and a chilling statistic for Villa’s rivals.
Villa will head into subsequent week’s Bologna reunion with an enormous benefit and, maybe, the prospect of an all-English semi-final in opposition to Nottingham Forest will develop into a actuality. Villa face Forest within the Premier League on Sunday.
Emery stated: “The result’s improbable however the sport isn’t over and we have now to get everybody collectively for the subsequent challenges.
“Watkins is a fighter and all the time working for the workforce. It’s constructive for him and for us.”
Unai Emery is chasing a fifth Europa League title in 12 years – Mattia Ozbot/Uefa by way of Getty Photographs
It is a doubtlessly pivotal second within the season for Emery and his Champions League chasers.
Villa are again within the driving seat for a top-four end whereas Arsenal’s victory over Sporting in Lisbon on Tuesday has additionally given Emery the added insurance coverage of fifth being sufficient to safe a golden ticket.
Successful the ultimate of the Europa League in Istanbul additionally offers computerized qualification for the elite competitors that Villa so desperately search.
For a lot of the first-half right here was a reminder that Emery’s quest to win a fifth trophy won’t be simple.
Bologna’s supporters unfurled an enormous banner earlier than kick-off with the phrases ‘Magico Bologna Vinci Per Noi’ (Magical Bologna win for us), and their workforce had not misplaced in Europe since defeat at Villa Park in September.
Villa have been struggling for fluency within the face of Bologna’s depth within the first half, with the house workforce impressed by the brilliance of ahead Jonathan Rowe on the left flank.
Rowe was extensively scouted by Villa throughout his time at Norwich Metropolis, earlier than Villa opted to signal Morgan Rogers, and tormented Matty Money for many of the night.
Villa had been below regular stress and have been lucky to keep away from going behind within the twenty sixth minute.
Rowe once more eluded Money and launched Santiago Castro on the left, with the centre-forward’s cross taking an enormous deflection off Ezri Konsa earlier than crossing the road. Villa escaped, with the objective disallowed for offside after a VAR assessment which infuriated the locals.
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Bologna then got here shut once more with Federico Bernardeschi volleying Rowe’s cross in opposition to the crossbar.
Villa had been underwhelming however took the lead in opposition to the run of play a minute earlier than half-time.
Youri Tielemans’ nook looped over goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia to search out Konsa, who headed the ball into an unguarded web.
Smash and seize didn’t start to explain it, however early into the second half Bologna threw the sport away with a poor mistake.
Former West Brom defender Torbjorn Heggem inexplicably surrendered possession in his penalty space below stress and Watkins was by no means going to waste the present from shut vary.
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Bologna’s confidence did seep away however they produced a late response with Rowe once more the driving pressure. It was the England Beneath-21 worldwide who beat Martínez in added time however Watkins struck once more quickly after to dampen their enthusiasm.
One other win for Emery in his favorite competitors, and that century for Watkins could be very shut.
10:31pm
Vitor Pereira is happy with the Forest consequence
10:18pm
Martin Keown believes Forest can progress
10:16pm
Jean-Philippe Mateta is delighted to be again
10:15pm
Ollie Watkins displays on Aston Villa’s vital victory
10:14pm
Different Europa League outcomes
Wednesday eighth April
Braga 1 Actual Betis 1
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Thursday ninth April
Freiburg 3 Celta Vigo 0
10:10pm
FT: Crystal Palace 3 Fiorentina 0
Sarr added a late third objective for Palace to offer the hosts a seemingly unassailable benefit of their Convention League quarter-final.
10:08pm
FT: Porto 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Forest labored extremely exhausting and rode their luck at instances, however depart Portugal with a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie hanging within the stability forward of subsequent week’s second leg in Nottingham.
Nottingham Forest gamers applaud the away help following their 1-1 draw with Porto – Pedro Nunes/REUTERS
09:59pm
FT: Bologna 1 Aston Villa 3
Villa will head into subsequent week’s second leg in Birmingham accountable for this tie as Watkins’ double helped the English aspect to an vital 3-1 victory over Bologna.
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Emery’s males weren’t at their greatest however they labored exhausting, devastatingly pounced on Bologna’s errors and punished them from corners.
Ollie Watkins wheels away in celebration after netting Aston Villa’s third objective in opposition to Bologna – STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP
09:52pm
GOAL! Watkins restores Villa’s two-goal cushion
That may be a huge objective. Tielemans’ fantastic nook lands at Watkins’ toes because the strikers arrives within the six-yard field. Watkins then squeezes a close-range effort below Ravaglia with just about the final kick of the sport.
09:49pm
GOAL! Rowe curls in a powerful strike for Bologna
Rowe lastly has his objective. The Bologna winger has been threatening that each one night time. As soon as once more, he cuts inside and bends a sensational shot into the underside nook, away from Martinez’s outstretched arm.
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09:48pm
89 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Emery makes two late modifications because the seconds proceed to tick away. Rogers and Buendia depart, with Maatsen and Bailey on because the replacements.
09:47pm
87 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Villa have gotten all 11 gamers behind the ball as they appear to guard their two-goal lead.
In the meantime, at Selhurst Park, Palace are nonetheless main 2-0. Fiorentina had hit the bar earlier within the second half, whereas Mateta missed a presentable likelihood so as to add a 3rd objective.
09:45pm
83 min: Porto 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Porto have registered 14 photographs and created 5 huge probabilities, however a lead is proving elusive for the hosts, who can’t discover a second objective.
09:43pm
84 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Rowe doesn’t should be on the shedding workforce this night. He’s been magnificent. Joao Mario is the subsequent Bologna participant to attempt his luck, however Pau Torres does nicely and makes an important block.
09:41pm
81 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Martinez makes one of many saves of the season! Rowe stands up McGinn and cuts within the Villa captain, earlier than whipping a bending effort from exterior the penalty space which is heading for the highest nook. Nonetheless, Martinez makes use of his huge body and makes an jaw-dropping save to tip the strike over the bar.
09:39pm
80 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Onana has labored so exhausting for Villa, and his night is over as he makes method for Bogarde in central midfield.
09:38pm
78 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
As soon as once more, Rowe forces the difficulty and sprints away from Money to achieve the byline. The ball is finally labored to Bernandeschi, however from an unfavourable angle, he shoots into the aspect netting. You’ll be able to hear the frustration inside the dwelling crowd.
09:36pm
74 min: Porto 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Ortega has been improbable in between the sticks for Forest. The goalkeeper has recorded 5 saves and been such a dependable presence within the guests’ defence.
09:34pm
74 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Villa have defended diligently on this second half. If Bologna are to discover a method again into this contest, then they should hold feeding the ball to Rowe.
09:31pm
71 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
An incredible quantity of house is opening up for Villa on the counter as Bologna push extra males ahead of their seek for a objective again. Buendia is the subsequent Villa man to attempt his luck, however he blazes an effort over the bar.
09:29pm
GOAL! Forest rating but it surely gained’t rely
Jesus reaches for a lofted cross into the field and collides with Porto goalkeeper Costa. The striker’s knee clashes with the Porto man’s head, and the objective is dominated out.
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09:26pm
66 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Watkins ought to do higher… Buendia strides ahead and performs a perfectly-weighted through-ball to the onrushing Watkins. He runs in on objective, however can’t kind his toes out, permitting Ravaglia to hurry out and declare possession.
09:24pm
65 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Can Villa handle the remainder of this sport professionally and keep their hard-fought benefit? They’ve seemingly ridden out Bologna’s first half storm and look way more imposing now. Buendia, Rogers and Watkins are combining successfully and are wanting actually harmful.
09:22pm
62 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Rowe has been a nightmare for Money to include, and the Bologna winger cuts within the Villa right-back, earlier than whipping a curled effort simply extensive of the far publish.
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Jonathan Rowe has been excellent for Bologna on this quarter-final first leg. Signed from Marseille for round £16.8m final summer time, the England under-21 worldwide is actually enhancing his repute right here.
09:19pm
57 min: Porto 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Porto have began the a lot better aspect within the second half, with Gomez and Costa each going shut.
09:16pm
56 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 2
Villa have such a commanding lead and so they almost discover a third objective as Watkins cushions the ball into Rogers’ path. The playmaker takes a contact, earlier than firing a strong effort at objective, which narrowly flies over the bar. Conceding simply earlier than and after the restart has interrupted Bologna’s momentum and so they look completely shocked.
09:14pm
Forest and Palace additionally again below method
Each video games are a couple of minutes behind Villa. Forest have made two half-time modifications, with Igor Jesus and Milenkovic changing Wooden and Murillo.
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A weird incident at Palace delayed their restart.
09:12pm
GOAL! Watkins doubles Villa’s lead
It’s a superb objective from Watkins and Villa are in dreamland. The guests press so excessive as Buendia closes down Heggum and intercepts his go. It ricochets into Watkins’ path and the strikers bursts into the penalty space, earlier than calmly slipping an effort beneath the goalkeeper.
09:08pm
48 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 1
McGinn threads a intelligent go by to Buendia on the counter. He has Rogers in help however can’t fairly carry a go by to the Englishman. Bologna then fly up the opposite finish and the ball is labored to Pobega, however the midfielder’s arrowed strike narrowly sails over the bar.
09:05pm
46 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 1
We’re again below method at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Can Villa maintain onto their very slender lead?
09:00pm
HT: Crystal Palace 2 Fiorentina 0
Watch each objectives as Palace cruise right into a 2-0 lead due to Mateta’s penalty and Mitchell’s shut vary end.
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08:57pm
HT: Porto 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Forest will likely be thrilled to go in 1-1 at half-time, which appeared implausible when Porto scored inside 11 minutes, after earlier lacking two wonderful probabilities. However after Martim Fernandes’s extraordinary personal objective, Forest settled into the sport and have been reduce aside much less swiftly on the flanks.
08:56pm
Are Aston Villa fortunate to be forward?
Half-time Verdict:
Smash and seize win looming right here in Bologna?
Villa have been fairly underwhelming however took the lead utterly in opposition to the run of play a minute earlier than the break.
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These are the type of outcomes Unai Emery all the time appears to ship within the Europa League when the chances appear in opposition to him.
Bologna’s followers have clapped their workforce off at half-time right here and may scarcely consider the scoreline.
08:53pm
HT: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 1
Konsa’s Forty fourth-minute header has given Villa an important benefit over Bologna at half-time. The hosts have been the higher aspect. They’ve had a objective dominated out by VAR and struck the bar. At instances, Villa have regarded panicked and torpid, however capitalised on a dreadful mistake from Bologna goalkeeper Ravaglia as Konsa headed into an empty web from Tielemans’ menacing nook.
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Ezri Konsa celebrates after netting Aston Villa’s opening objective in opposition to Bologna – STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP
08:46pm
GOAL! Konsa heads in on the finish of the primary half
It’s in opposition to the run of play, however Villa gained’t care, because the guests strike very late within the first half to open the scoring. It’s a horrible error from Bologna goalkeeper Ravaglia. He utterly misjudges Tielemans’ nook and it floats over him, permitting Konsa to nod a header into an empty web. They’ve ridden their luck, however Villa have the all-important lead.
08:44pm
42 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Villa have grown into the competition in the previous couple of minutes, with Watkins, Rogers and McGinn turning into extra concerned. Emery gained’t be thrilled along with his aspect’s show, however the rating stays goalless.
08:40pm
38 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
McGinn goes so shut for Villa. They’ve been passengers on this first half, however Villa instantly come alive as Rogers and McGinn mix on the sting of Bologna’s space. McGinn receives the ball and curls an effort in direction of the close to publish, however he whips it narrowly extensive because it shaves the aspect netting.
08:38pm
35 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Villa are extremely to nonetheless be degree in Italy.
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In the meantime, Crystal Palace are at present breezing previous their Serie A opponents as they lead Fiorentina 2-0 due to objectives from Mateta and Mitchell.
08:33pm
31 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Large escape for Aston Villa there however Unai Emery will likely be hoping it shakes his gamers into life.
A Var assessment dominated out a Ezri Konsa personal objective for an alleged offside, whereas Federico Bernadeschi has simply struck the crossbar.
Villa have to get up right here as they’ve been passive up to now.
08:32pm
30 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Bologna strike the bar! Aston Villa can’t cope with Rowe, who’s inflicting them an array of issues. He has the beating of Money each time and swings a cross into the field with the skin of his foot. Castro beats Konsa to the ball and directs the supply onto the bar. It’s an agonising second for Bologna. Villa are clinging on.
08:29pm
NO GOAL! VAR saves Aston Villa
After a VAR verify, Castro is judged to be offside within the construct up and Bologna’s objective is chalked off. That may be a big let off for Villa.
08:28pm
GOAL! Bologna strike first
Rowe beats Money to a protracted ball and Bologna are away. The attacker slips a go by to Castro, whose cross takes a depraved deflection off Konsa and the ball loops over Martinez, earlier than it spins into the online.
08:24pm
21 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Bologna mix up high and Castro is unleashed behind the Villa backline, however he doesn’t join with the strike. The hosts recycle the ball nicely and Bernadeschi’s cross finds Miranda, whose downward volley is tipped over the bar by Martinez.
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Bologna’s supporters unfurled an enormous banner earlier than kick-off with the phrases ‘Magico Bologna Vinci Per Noi’ (Magical Bologna Win For Us), and their workforce has began impressively.
Forwards Federico Bernardeschi and Jonathan Rowe are each inflicting issues with their motion. Juan Miranda has additionally compelled the primary save from Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
08:19pm
GOAL! Forest equalise by a weird own-goal
What was Fernandes pondering?! Forest have been gifted an equaliser. The Porto man has possession and with out wanting, delivers a calamitous again go, which was supposed for his goalkeeper, into the unguarded web.
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Wow. After their torrid begin Forest profit from an act of astonishing generosity. Proper-back Martim Fernandes, 30 yards away from his personal objective, overhits his again go horrendously, scoring the type of personal objective that was as soon as a staple of these Christmas bloopers movies.
08:18pm
15 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
What an opportunity for Villa! From the free-kick, Tielemans floats a scrumptious ball into the field. Watkins escapes his marker, however can’t direct an effort both aspect of the goalkeeper, and his shot is saved by Ravaglia.
08:16pm
14 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Buendia motors ahead for Villa and he’s tripped by the retreating Lucumi, who journeys the playmaker. He receives a yellow card and is out of the second leg. Lucumi will likely be an enormous miss for Bologna.
08:13pm
GOAL! Porto take a deserved early lead
It’s been coming and Porto strike first. Rosario has been so full of life for the hosts and he flicks the ball into Veiga’s path, and he delivers a low cross to the again publish for Gomes, who slides to faucet in from shut vary.
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A well-deserved objective for Porto; Forest’s weakened aspect, so spectacular at FC Midtjylland, have regularly been uncovered up to now. A stunning go from Gabri Veiga, on the left-hand aspect, provides Brazilian William Gomes a easy end on the again publish.
08:12pm
9 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
The Villa match is being performed at a far slower tempo. It’s nearly like a sport of chess. Either side are nonetheless figuring one another out and ready for the opposite to make the primary transfer.
08:11pm
7 min: Porto 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Porto dominating in Portugal. Forest goalkeeper Ortega has already produced vital saves to disclaim Moffi and Sainz.
08:08pm
6 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
Money hesitates permitting Bologna dangerman Rowe to burst into the penalty space. He can’t get a shot away and Villa survive on this event. Rowe is undoubtedly one among Bologna’s most incisive gamers.
08:05pm
3 min: Bologna 0 Aston Villa 0
No actual rhythm on this sport simply but. The return of Tielemans to Villa’s line-up may very well be a doubtlessly game-defining increase for the away aspect.
08:04pm
The opposite English groups are below method
Forest and Palace have additionally each kicked off of their European ties.
08:01pm
Kick-off
Referee Sandro Scharer sounds his whistle and we’re below method in Italy for this sport between Bologna and Aston Villa.
07:47pm
Who’s answerable for the playlist at Bologna?
A really eclectic pre-match playlist up to now right here in Bologna.
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Thus far we’ve had Daft Punk, Speaking Heads and AC/DC.
It’s loud sufficient however not significantly intimidating.
Aston Villa followers have been having fun with the Italian sunshine and performing their greatest John McGinn impressions – Jennifer Lorenzini/REUTERS
07:44pm
One other big-name striker makes his return
With Jorgen Strand Larsen suspended, its the right alternative for Jean-Philippe Mateta to return to the Crystal Palace line-up.
In January, a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed as a result of medical problems. A strained relationship with the followers left many questioning whether or not Mateta would ever play for Palace once more. The striker is right here and may very well be essential to Palace’s Convention League run.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta is in good spirits forward of Crystal Palace’s sport in opposition to Fiorentina – Paul Childs/Motion Photographs by way of Reuters
07:36pm
Chris Wooden is again
Nottingham Forest have sorely missed Chris Wooden (left), who netted 20 Premier League objectives final season. In a marketing campaign destroyed by harm, the New Zealand worldwide has managed simply three objectives in 9 appearances throughout all competitions this time round. The travelling Forest followers will likely be delighted to see him again on the pitch.
Chris Wooden (left) warming up for Nottingham Forest forward of the match in opposition to Porto – Zed Jameson/PA
07:30pm
Bologna’s terribly lengthy tunnel
A relatively quirky function of the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium
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07:28pm
Vitor Pereira’s pre-match ideas
07:25pm
Unai Emery is a Europa League grasp
For a way of Unai Emery’s excellent Europa League file, right here is an eye-opening statistic.
Moderately extremely, Emery has misplaced simply one among his final TWENTY-FOUR matches within the competitors.
His affinity with it runs very deep and Villa are in all probability favourites to win Emery his fifth Europa League trophy.
Unai Emery has gained the Europa League 4 instances in his managerial profession – Alex Livesey/Aston Villa FC by way of Getty Photographs
07:18pm
Heavy rotation for Forest
Premier League regulars equivalent to Neco Williams, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Ibrahim Sangare all begin on the bench this night. With an important top-flight match in opposition to Aston Villa arising on Sunday, Vitor Pereira has dipped into his deep squad to make some notable modifications.
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07:10pm
Unai Emery names a powerful Aston Villa aspect
Robust beginning XI from Unai Emery, even with an enormous sport away at Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The latest returns of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans from harm have been important as Villa combat on two fronts.
Value keeping track of Bologna ahead Jonathan Rowe tonight. Villa scouted him extensively throughout his spell at Norwich Metropolis earlier than opting to signal Morgan Rogers. That one has labored out okay although, hasn’t it?
07:08pm
Crystal Palace and Fiorentina line-ups in full
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Mateta, Guessand.
Subs: Matthews, Benitez, Lerma, Pino, Johnson, Clyne, Hughes, Sosa, Riad, Devenny, Cardines.
Fiorentina: de Gea, Dodo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens, Fabbian, Fagioli, Ndour, Harrison, Piccoli, Gudmundsson.
Subs: Leonardelli, Christensen, Mandragora, Comuzzo, Fazzini, Kospo, Kouadio, Braschi, Balbo, Deli, Puzzoli.
Referee: Donatas Rumsas (Lithuania)
07:05pm
Porto and Nottingham Forest line-ups in full
Porto: Costa, Fernandes, Thiago Silva, Bednarek, Sanusi, Fofana, Rosario, Veiga, William, Moffi, Sainz.
Subs: Claudio Ramos, Joao Costa, Kiwior, Froholdt, Pepe, Alberto Costa, Prpic, Varela, Gul, Moura, Mora, Tiago Silva.
Nottingham Forest: Ortega, Dominguez, Abbott, Murillo, Morato, McAtee, Yates, Gibbs-White, Bakwa, Wooden, Ndoye.
Subs: Sels, Williams, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus, Lucca, Hutchinson, Milenkovic, Aina, Whitehall, Sinclair, Hanks.
Referee: Marco Guida (Italy)
07:04pm
Bologna and Aston Villa line-ups in full
Bologna: Ravaglia, Joao Mario, Heggem, Lucumi, Miranda, Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega, Bernardeschi, Castro, Rowe.
Subs: Pessina, Franceschelli, Moro, Orsolini, Casale, Zortea, Odgaard, Sohm, Cambiaghi, Castaldo.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Money, Konsa, Torres, Digne, McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins.
Subs: Bizot, Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Elliott, Garcia, Abraham, Douglas Luiz, Maatsen, Bogarde, Bailey.
Referee: Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
06:52pm
Crystal Palace workforce information
Jean-Phillippe Mateta is again for Palace and begins for the primary time since January. Different modifications see Dean Henderson and Daniel Munoz additionally return.
06:51pm
Nottingham Forest workforce information
Vitor Pereira has massively altered the Forest line-up, ordering 9 modifications. In big information, striker Chris Wooden returns after a six month absence to start up high.
06:48pm
Aston Villa workforce information
Aston Villa make simply two modifications to the workforce that beat West Ham. Youri Tielemans returns to the primary 11, whereas Emiliano Buendia additionally begins. They change Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho, who’re each absent from the squad.
06:47pm
Crystal Palace’s European journey additionally continues
We haven’t forgotten about Crystal Palace, who host Fiorentina of their first leg of their Convention League quarter-final tie.
It’s been a tumultuous marketing campaign for Palace, because of the earlier uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s future and transformative gamers equivalent to Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi leaving the membership. Nonetheless, Palace now have an enormous alternative to finish the season on a excessive by lifting the Convention League.
Fiorentina represents their hardest take a look at within the competitors up to now, however the Italians have struggled in Serie A and are floundering in fifteenth place.
After battling previous Zrinjski and AEK Larnaca within the earlier knockout rounds, Selhurst Park is prepared for extra European motion.
06:36pm
Europa League has been a welcome distraction for Nottingham Forest
We can even be masking Nottingham Forest’s journey to Portugal this night, as they face Porto within the Europa League quarter-finals.
Relegation fears and managerial chaos have hampered Forest’s Premier League marketing campaign, with the membership slumped in sixteenth place, simply three factors above the drop zone.
Nonetheless, regardless of having 4 completely different managers throughout the season, Forest have loved constructive ends in the Europa League and superior into the quarter-finals due to a penalty shootout victory over FC Midtjylland in Denmark.
Of their earlier match earlier than the worldwide break, Vitor Pereira’s males beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0, massively boosting their probabilities of survival. With the membership’s kind and temper improved, Forest will likely be itching to return to motion, however so will their opponents.
Porto are having fun with a sensational season below supervisor Francesco Farioli. They sit high of Liga Portugal and superior into the Europa League quarter-finals courtesy of a 4-1 combination victory over Stuttgart within the earlier spherical.
If Forest and Villa each win their quarter-finals, it might arrange an all-English semi-final match between the perimeters.
Once more, kick-off is at 20:00 GMT, with lineups on the best way shortly.
06:32pm
Can Unai Emery repeat his Europa League magic?
Good night and welcome to our reside protection of this Europa League quarter-final first leg tie between Bologna and Aston Villa at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in northern Italy.
Villa’s goal is straightforward: safe Champions League soccer for subsequent season. They’re at present fourth within the Premier League, six factors forward of sixth-place Chelsea. Though there’s home stress on Villa, development within the Europa League has given the membership one other achievable and practical route into the Champions League for the next marketing campaign.
Unai Emery’s aspect stays one of many frontrunners for the Europa League, and have carried out strongly all through. Villa completed second within the league section, successful seven of their eight matches. They’ve additionally been environment friendly within the knockouts, beating Lille 3-0 on combination within the spherical of 16. This spectacular run of kind implies that Villa have collected seven consecutive Europa League wins.
Given the latest worldwide break and their elimination from the FA Cup, Villa haven’t been in aggressive motion since their 2-0 victory over West Ham United on twenty second March. Villa must be feeling energised, and in Emery, the membership possesses a supervisor with wonderful European pedigree. The 54-year-old has scooped 4 Europa League titles throughout spells with Sevilla and Villarreal, and he’ll be seeking to replicate this success with an English aspect.
Bologna are additionally having fun with a formidable Europa League marketing campaign. Since shedding to Villa 1-0 within the Midlands on the primary matchday in September 2025, Bologna have produced an 11-match unbeaten run within the competitors.
Ending tenth within the league section meant that Bologna needed to accept the knockout play-offs, however Vincenzo Italiano’s males overcame SK Brann after which secured an exhilarating 5-4 combination victory over Roma within the spherical of 16, recording an epic 4-3 win within the second leg after additional time within the Italian capital.
The winners of this tie will play Porto or Nottingham within the semi-finals. These sides will then combat for a spot within the closing hosted in Istanbul on twentieth Might.
Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT, with line-ups on the best way shortly.