
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Aston Villa will face Bologna at Villa Park in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal, aiming for a win after a recent 1-1 draw. Unai Emery plans to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ezri Konsa and Emi Buendia likely starting.
Konsa And Buendia To Start | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Bologna
Aston Villa will entertain Bologna at Villa Park this Wednesday night as they look to secure all three points at home in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal clash. The Villans managed to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest recently, so they would have some confidence going into this game.
Unai Emery will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first team for this clash. Ezri Konsa and Emi Buendia could both get a chance to impress from the start of this game.
Marco Bizot will feature in between the sticks for the Villans after conceding one goal in his last appearance. Ezri Konsa will operate alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the Aston Villa backline as they focus on keeping a solid shape on the defensive end of the field.
Matty Cash will try to prove his value as the right-back, while Lucas Digne looks to give a good account of himself on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the freedom to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent’s half.
Ian Maatsen and Victor Lindelof will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Aston Villa F.C Manager, Unai Emery is pictured during the Aston Villa FC Training Session and Press Conference prior to UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg at Bodymoor Heath training ground on April 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Simon Galloway/Getty Images)
Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana will anchor the midfield for the Villans as they focus on winning the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park.
The talented trio of Morgan Rogers, Emi Buendia and John McGinn will operate just ahead of them as part of the Aston Villa attack. All three of them need to be at the top of their game if the Villans want to secure a convincing win in this second leg.
Doulas Luiz and Leon Bailey will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Ollie Watkins will spearhead Aston Villa’s attack in the final third. He has to find a way to be a constant menace up top.
Tammy Abraham will have to be content with a spot on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if the Villans are in need of a goal by then.
Aston Villa is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ezri Konsa and Emi Buendia starting.
The match between Aston Villa and Bologna is scheduled for Wednesday night at Villa Park.
Aston Villa recently secured a 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest, which boosts their confidence ahead of the match against Bologna.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
A look at every first-round pick by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst since 2018.
Alex Ovechkin hints he may not have played his last game with the Capitals
Texas Longhorns welcome top-10 prospects Monshun Sales and John Meredith III this Thursday.
Subaru vs Hyundai: A New Rivalry at the 2026 Nürburgring 24h
Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Barcelona Open after wrist injury
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.